Won’t give reference after 7 years

Catbells

I taught and was a governor in a school until 7 years ago when I started home tuition and left. I am now looking for another job and called the school to enquire about a reference. The Head Teacher has retired and so I asked the deputy if I could get a reference. I knew the deputy and was greeted when I rang to speak but was told I couldn’t have a reference because it was too long ago. I thought this was very mean but wondered if there was a time limit on this. Anyone know.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

There is no limit because there is no legal requirement to give a reference anyway. You'd be better off asking the old Head to give a personal one. Write a letter to them and ask. Get their address from 192.

Catbells

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

There is no limit because there is no legal requirement to give a reference anyway. You'd be better off asking the old Head to give a personal one. Write a letter to them and ask. Get their address from 192.

Thanks. What is 192.

Takeaway_Addict

Catbells wrote: »

Thanks. What is 192.

192.com

a website to find details of people.

AP007

Don't you have to pay to get addresses off 192?

paulineb_2

I wouldnt be tracking someone down from 192.

Theres no legal requirement for any employer to give a reference. I dont think Id be asking someone from 7 years ago to give a reference, but is there no one else in the school that could give you a personal reference.

Catbells

paulineb wrote: »

I wouldnt be tracking someone down from 192.

Theres no legal requirement for any employer to give a reference. I dont think Id be asking someone from 7 years ago to give a reference, but is there no one else in the school that could give you a personal reference.

Yes, I have got one from one of the employees who now runs a local organisation which I help out with. TBH I knew the deputy head better than this person so am a bit upset that this has happened. I agree - I dont really want to start tracking someone down through 192. I could write to the ex head via the school office though. Would this be OK do you think?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

paulineb wrote: »

I wouldnt be tracking someone down from 192.

Theres no legal requirement for any employer to give a reference. I dont think Id be asking someone from 7 years ago to give a reference, but is there no one else in the school that could give you a personal reference.

I ask people who will give me a good reference - no matter how long ago. No point asking people who wouldn't give a good reference. But then I stay in contact with those people and they me.

phill99

You need to be realistic.

In the intervening seven years, anything could have happened. You could have become a drug addict and dealer and be the most awful employee in the universe.

Therefore it would be completely inappropriate for him to give your reference as well as leaving himself wide open in terms of anything he writes about you. Additionally, your prospective employer would not want a reference that's effectively 7 years old.

And to use phrases such as 'its very mean' actually speaks volumes about you. Maybe the deputy head is wiser than you think.

Catbells

I can see that a 7 year old reference would not be as good as one which related to current time - and that was the reason I was given.

I think your last comment is rude Phill and speaks volumes about you too.

Yorkie1

Is it a personal or factual reference you're after? If the latter, could the council provide a reference confirming when you taught / were a governor there?