We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
References
MoneySavingUser
Posts: 1,667 Forumite
One book I read said don't put down "References available on request" on your CV just leave it out and use the space for other things as they will assume this anyway.
But it seems to be a standard thing to have I don't want them to think I don't know how to write a CV - what do you think?
Do you allow employers to take references before interview? I normally don't to avoid the people giving them getting annoyed about having requests all the time for jobs I don't get etc.
If they ask for them before does this mean they will use them as part of the selection process and I am at a disadvantage to others or is it just for completeness?
I also know of people who write their own references and just give them to the people to sign - what is the opinion on this? is it ok if they agree/are too busy to write a detailed reference etc?
But it seems to be a standard thing to have I don't want them to think I don't know how to write a CV - what do you think?
Do you allow employers to take references before interview? I normally don't to avoid the people giving them getting annoyed about having requests all the time for jobs I don't get etc.
If they ask for them before does this mean they will use them as part of the selection process and I am at a disadvantage to others or is it just for completeness?
I also know of people who write their own references and just give them to the people to sign - what is the opinion on this? is it ok if they agree/are too busy to write a detailed reference etc?
0
Comments
-
Most employers will not use a written printed reference unless the company has ceased trading. Basically because they may be self written or even completely forged. They will insist on making contact themselves with the reference contact.
People will not see your CV and go "oh, no references mentioned?" and assume you haven't got any. I don't know anyone who would put their reference details on the CV in full rather than waiting for interview/being asked for them (Only exception is an application form that asks for them directly).
Any interviewer who would turn down someone on the basis they didn't say "references available on request" shouldn't be in charge of interviews or choosing new employees. Does he only choose suppliers by those who have their bank details available on the website or parts catalogue?
As for allowing references to be taken before interview its never been an issue I have had that I am aware of. I would be slightly doubtful unless I was told that I was the only one or it was an agency etc.0 -
I have on my cover letter that I have references. Some employers may think you don't have them and/or can't get any. I have the actual written ones from my last employer and one from an Director from an agency who placed me at that last job but even so all employers will just use these references to get their own. It just gives them the contact names and email addresses to be honest but I know all they will get back is the same word for word as the ones I have but they would all require their own in case you have faked them.0
-
As for allowing references to be taken before interview its never been an issue I have had that I am aware of. I would be slightly doubtful unless I was told that I was the only one or it was an agency etc.
In education or roles working with children / vulnerable adults etc, it is common practice to have references taken before interview (therefore, can be taken without actually getting to interview stage), due to child protection/safeguarding guidelines.
Just to make you all aware.
One of my referees who was unfamiliar with this, thought I had got a job when he was asked for a reference but no - Just an interview, which I had a week a later.0 -
Not in the NHS though, strangely. They only take up references after interview although you can't start working until references are in.In education or roles working with children / vulnerable adults etc, it is common practice to have references taken before interview (therefore, can be taken without actually getting to interview stage), due to child protection/safeguarding guidelines.0 -
In education or roles working with children / vulnerable adults etc, it is common practice to have references taken before interview (therefore, can be taken without actually getting to interview stage), due to child protection/safeguarding guidelines.
Just to make you all aware.
One of my referees who was unfamiliar with this, thought I had got a job when he was asked for a reference but no - Just an interview, which I had a week a later.
Not always I know people working with vulnerable adults and references not taken until job offerered. The PVG takes longer anyway.Lost my soulmate so life is empty.
I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander0 -
Not in the NHS though, strangely. They only take up references after interview although you can't start working until references are in.
Not necessarily true for every employer in the NHS brand. I've received an urgent reference request for someone being interviewed the next day.0 -
MoneySavingUser wrote: »One book I read said don't put down "References available on request" on your CV just leave it out and use the space for other things as they will assume this anyway.
But it seems to be a standard thing to have I don't want them to think I don't know how to write a CV - what do you think?
Do you allow employers to take references before interview? I normally don't to avoid the people giving them getting annoyed about having requests all the time for jobs I don't get etc.
If they ask for them before does this mean they will use them as part of the selection process and I am at a disadvantage to others or is it just for completeness?
I also know of people who write their own references and just give them to the people to sign - what is the opinion on this? is it ok if they agree/are too busy to write a detailed reference etc?
If on application form it requests references then i tick the box saying "do not contact these before interview" or similar and ive not had anyone get annoyed yet.
On a cv dont put references down, if they want them they will ask for them at interview or at a later date if interview was successful.0 -
I also read somewhere that it is possible for you to ask for references to be taken only after you have started the job - is this true?0
-
Every employer has to ask permission from you to take up the references as you supply the details but they can insist that all references will be taken before interview or before an offer is made.MoneySavingUser wrote: »I also read somewhere that it is possible for you to ask for references to be taken only after you have started the job - is this true?
Why would you as an employee want the references to be taken AFTER you have started? What have you got to hide?0 -
MoneySavingUser wrote: »I also read somewhere that it is possible for you to ask for references to be taken only after you have started the job - is this true?
Making such a request is likely to make an employer very suspicious. It implies you have something to hide.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.3K Spending & Discounts
- 245.2K Work, Benefits & Business
- 600.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.5K Life & Family
- 259.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards