Taking a reference to an interview

thisuseridistakenagain

Hi,

I've just been invited to an interview for a job a really want. I get along really well with my boss and I think if I ask her to write me a reference in advance to take with me it would support my application.

Is this something people still do? or would it seem a bit desperate or cocky like- 'look at me, I know people who think I'm great'.

What do you think? Maybe I'm overthinking, I really want it and I'm nervous!

ohreally

thisuseridistakenagain wrote: »

I get along really well with my boss and I think if I ask her to write me a reference in advance to take with me it would support my application.

Is this something people still do?

Let your prospective employer contact your current for a reference. You could walk in and supply anything with no way of verification.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

If someone came for an interview with me and told me that not only did their current employer know they were there but had written a letter encouraging me to take the person on, I would assume their current employer wanted rid of them as soon as possible.

sangie595

thisuseridistakenagain wrote: »

Hi,

I've just been invited to an interview for a job a really want. I get along really well with my boss and I think if I ask her to write me a reference in advance to take with me it would support my application.

Is this something people still do? or would it seem a bit desperate or cocky like- 'look at me, I know people who think I'm great'.

What do you think? Maybe I'm overthinking, I really want it and I'm nervous!

It won't do you any good, it won't give you any advantage, so don't do it.

LittleVoice

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

If someone came for an interview with me and told me that not only did their current employer know they were there but had written a letter encouraging me to take the person on, I would assume their current employer wanted rid of them as soon as possible.

I can only think that this is for a promotion in the same organisation where it would not be so unusual for a current manager to know of the application.


However, no, the OP should not take a testimonial (it's not a reference) with them.


Testimonials are generally not worth the paper they are written on. The only exception is where a company is closing down and there may be nobody available to give references in the future and something on a letterhead is better than nothing.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

LittleVoice wrote: »

. The only exception is where a company is closing down and there may be nobody available to give references in the future and something on a letterhead is better than nothing.

Is it? If a company has closed down and a reference can't be obtained, would an employer really have an issue with that?

I have worked for a few companies that have gone out of business and I am not aware of there ever having been any issues with references. That said, I am not actually aware of anyone ever having asked for a reference from any previous employer.