CV Reference Questions

Serenity

I am updating my cv to apply for summer placement jobs. I currently have 2 referees, 2 of my previous employers. One was in a shop between 2001 - 2003 and the other a hotel in summer 2005. I want to update it to include my work this year, but the company I was with (manpower agency) just say for references "ask the prospective employer to write directly to the manpower location you last worked". Does this mean I should just put an address and phone number down? I don't know the name of the current hr type person as the one I knew left at the same time as me. I don't even know the correct job title.

Also how many references should I have? I'm thinking two. My most recent and 1 other. Seeing as it is for a student placement would it be better to have either the shop/hotel or my academic advisor at uni?

Thanks in advance for any help

Savvy_Sue

I would always use the 'most recent' principle for at least one of your referees, so yes, your tutor at Uni would be one.

All Manpower are likely to do is confirm that you worked for them from X date to Y date. They might add that there were no complaints about your work, but it isn't going to get more personal than that. However a phone call would establish the right job title to use, which would be a start.

If you worked in one particular place and there was someone there who knew your work reasonably well and you were on good terms with them, you could ask if they would be willing to be a referee, but be prepared for them to say no - could be a company policy. If you were all over the place, then just use Manpower for No. 2.

I think in your situation I might now give 3 referees: if you DON'T give Manpower it may look as if you wouldn't get a good reference from them. I'd use the hotel for the other: summer 2005 isn't so long ago.

And I might say something like "Manpower will confirm my employment dates with them but for a personal reference please contact X hotel".

You do of course need to check with the hotel that they are happy to provide a reference. And keep your tutor updated with your applications, making sure s/he knows which ones you're really keen on!

Alternatively if you did anything like Guides until just before going to Uni then you could your former leader for a reference.

Serenity

Thanks for that post Savvy it is really helpful! I think I will do that, put down my advisor, manpower and the hotel manager. I got on really well with her so that shouldn't be a problem.