How does a request for a reference work?

kelly_borntoshop

I have a interview tomorrow for a part-time position in a company i'm really excited about. I am used to working for small Ltd. companies that in my experience often don't check references but this company is a bigger affair that probably will have to check.

I dont have a lot of reference experience but a friend has told me that companies request them on a form with ticky boxes - is that correct?

I left my last job with an "agreed" reference - I have spoken to my FM who came to see me the other day and he has advised i make any reference requests for his attention and I will get a better reference than if I have them sent to CD (i am not her favorite person). FM and I are still in touch and still freinds.

Because my reference is an agreed reference does this mean that they will not be able to tick any of the boxes etc?

InsideInsurance

Different companies have different requirements for references. Some send a totally basic letter asking for a few key facts to be disclosed or agreed. Others have a long questionnaire and some simply ask for a reference with no guidance on whats wanted.

An "agreed reference" means nothing, it is up to "FM" what they do as and when they receive whatever they get. In more than one case I've had my referees simply forward the form to me, I've completed it sent it back to the referee and the referee has signed it and sent it back to my new employer.

Takeaway_Addict

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Different companies have different requirements for references. Some send a totally basic letter asking for a few key facts to be disclosed or agreed. Others have a long questionnaire and some simply ask for a reference with no guidance on whats wanted.

An "agreed reference" means nothing, it is up to "FM" what they do as and when they receive whatever they get. In more than one case I've had my referees simply forward the form to me, I've completed it sent it back to the referee and the referee has signed it and sent it back to my new employer.

Disagree, the OP is implying that the agreed reference has been agreed by a compromise agreement.

From this the company should not fill out a tick box form and should only supply the reference agreed in the compromise.

The problem arises for compromised agreements if the employing company ask them to fill it out and the past employer says no sorry we can't...then alarm bells ring

InsideInsurance

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Disagree, the OP is implying that the agreed reference has been agreed by a compromise agreement.

Didnt see anything in the post to suggest there was a compromise agreement. If there was then it would make no difference which manager was approached to supply the reference. Sounded more like just an informal agreement between the OP and one of a number of managers which is therefore not binding

kelly_borntoshop

Ok. FM seems to think the agreement was for a "good" reference... i think he is happy to tick the boxes and give a little more than agreed.

Onreceipt of a request from a potential employer, the Company shall provide areference in the form set out in Schedule 2 of this agreement and shall keep tothe terms and spirit of this reference upon receiving a request for anyadditional information.
Might be ok then?