References from old employers

Takana

Hello, I have some questions regarding references. I have been unemployed since 2010. My previous employer is a large supermarket chain, and as such, they tend to change managers every 6 months to a year. The manager I have no longer works for the company. Does this matter? Can I still use them for a reference even though they have never even met me? The job I had a few years before that one is the same, the managers have long since gone.

Thanks,

Claire

MrSnuggles

Put down a team leader/supervisor who knows you and still works there.

Northerness

Speak to one of the HR Managers and ask to give their name as a reference, failing this just give the HR departmental details. Many companies do not allow their line managers to give personal references anyway these days (as they're worried about them saying the wrong thing), so, as policy, line managers will often just pass reference requests straight onto the HR Department. It results in a more generic reference - but that isn't always a bad thing!

macalacka

Most large companies will only give a statement of employment reference which will confirm employment dates and job title upon leaving. Give them the address of the HR Department in head office and that should suffice.

wellused

I worked for the same company for nearly 20 years all though it changed hands several times during that period, all my previous employers have either gone bust, died, or just stopped trading.
The job I was last employed in has closed down it's human resources department and all their responsibilities have transferred over to the line managers, my line manager although being a decent enough bloke would not have the time, inclination, or aptitude to give anything other than a basic reference if at all. I am glad beyond belief that I am in a position where getting another job which depended on having a reference is not a life or death necessity.:(

Takana

Thanks all for the quick replies. I feel a little better now

I've only just started job hunting after being a full time carer for the last 18 months for my mum, who sadly passed away recently So I've forgotten how rough this whole process is.

Thanks

dandelionclock30

Sorry to hear about your loss, and I hope you find something soon.