References - can this help land a job?

RoxRoxBling

Hi all, I have a question about references, hope somebody in the 'know-how' or somebody from personal experience can answer.

1) Is it helpful if I took a reference from my current employer to a interview

2) Is it helpful if I sent a reference from my current employer with a job application form

(If it helps my current employer knows that I am looking for a new job)

Also, If I can, I might ask my previous employer to write a reference, however, have them send it to my home address (for the above purpose)
Is this a good idea?

jobbingmusician

Speaking as an employer, I wouldn't find any of the above helpful and I might find them positively offputting. The only satisfactory way of getting a reference is to write or phone to the company address - your references could be forgeries. And if your current employer is prepared to write a reference now, I would be questioning in my own mind why he is so keen for you to leave! :eek:

RoxRoxBling

Ok thanx, I understand about it being forgeries. And you have made a very good point about employer being so keen for me to leave.

...Just sometimes when you want a job so bad you're willing to try anything..

DCFC79

RoxRoxBling wrote: »

Ok thanx, I understand about it being forgeries. And you have made a very good point about employer being so keen for me to leave.

...Just sometimes when you want a job so bad you're willing to try anything..

If the employer thinks your a match for the job then they will ask for a reference form the employer.

WoodyMax

What I have done recently and successfully I might add, is after the interview emailed the interviewers with an 'it was nice to meet you email' along with a copy of my overall comments from my most recent Performance Management.

RoxRoxBling

WoodyMax wrote: »

What I have done recently and successfully I might add, is after the interview emailed the interviewers with an 'it was nice to meet you email' along with a copy of my overall comments from my most recent Performance Management.

Well I've never had a appraisal or performance meeting of any sort so I won't be able to that. :wall:

I've never sent a 'it was nice to meet you email' Could you give some tips and pointers on how to do it successfully? I'd be a little scared to do it :undecided

anamenottaken

The only time when a pre-written reference (a testimonial) is of use in job searching is where the employing organisation is being wound up (company liquidation/statutory body closing) and something is better than nothing.

However, in that case, it is also useful to stay in touch with your immediate managers so that they can continue to act as referees.

MissSarah1972

I send my references with aplications when I can as I am not working and I want to prove to people I was not sacked but made reduandant and have people who will speak favourably for me.

Without these I think people if reading my CV will think there is something wrong with me or I do not want to work and pass me by.

scooby088

Many employers do not give a to whom it may concern reference these days as it could be forged. I always give a name and number to contact that way they can get it from the horses mouth.

MissSarah1972

scooby088 wrote: »

Many employers do not give a to whom it may concern reference these days as it could be forged. I always give a name and number to contact that way they can get it from the horses mouth.

Yes it could be but they always follow them up to get their own.

Wyndham

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

I send my references with aplications when I can as I am not working and I want to prove to people I was not sacked but made reduandant and have people who will speak favourably for me.

Without these I think people if reading my CV will think there is something wrong with me or I do not want to work and pass me by.

You should mention redundancy in your covering letter if you want to. The reference doesn't help at interview stage, and feels a bit odd to me.