Long term unemployment and references

yeoyau

Quick question i got a provisional job offer from the HMRC the provision being:

Completing your pre-employment checks

These checks include:
· Identity
· Nationality and right to work
· Criminal Record - Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
· Employment history (past 3 years)

Once i get onto the website and accept the job they want reference/s, a personal i can sort that, but i'm unsure what to use for "Previous employers or educational referees
How many professional referees do you need to cover the last 3 years?" as I've been unemployed for the previous 3 years i could probably get a character reference from my previous employer as i got on well with them just unsure what they want.

Thanks

Neil_Jones

Well if you can't get any professional references for the last three years then you can't put any down. Simple as.

Easiest solution is if you've had the same advisor for months on end at the job centre, ask them nicely for one. Can only say no. You may do good as well rather than getting a character reference ask your most recent employer for an actual reference.

All a reference really needs to say if its a free-form one is basically how good you are in various key aspects - are you reliable timekeeping wise, are you well groomed, do you get on with everybody, are you suited for the position you've applied for, that sort of stuff. Most of the time a form is sent out which specifically states what the new employer is looking for so that'll guide them as to what they want to know about you.

Savvy_Sue

As it says 'employment history (past 3 years)' ideally use people who can confirm what you've been doing for the past 3 years. That way it will allay any fears that you might have been residing at Her Majesty's Pleasure rather than doing whatever it is you have been doing.

beckysheffield

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

As it says 'employment history (past 3 years)' ideally use people who can confirm what you've been doing for the past 3 years. That way it will allay any fears that you might have been residing at Her Majesty's Pleasure rather than doing whatever it is you have been doing.

DBS proves he hasn’t been in jail.

How did you get the job OP if you didn’t have work references?

Savvy_Sue

beckysheffield wrote: »

DBS proves he hasn’t been in jail.

True. I should engage my brain more fully. However I'd still say use referees who will confirm your history, whatever it is.

For example, when I returned to a 'proper' job after years of odd days / self-employment / voluntary work, I used the experience gained through all of them in my job application, and would have had references to back them up.

PasturesNew

As it's HMRC they'll know what you've been up to ... so just put the truth, whatever that may be.

No point worrying about it ... they're "The Man" and can/will check anyway.

beckysheffield

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

True. I should engage my brain more fully. However I'd still say use referees who will confirm your history, whatever it is.

For example, when I returned to a 'proper' job after years of odd days / self-employment / voluntary work, I used the experience gained through all of them in my job application, and would have had references to back them up.

Yes, I wonder if the OP has been working or has anyone to give him a reference.

yeoyau

beckysheffield wrote: »

Yes, I wonder if the OP has been working or has anyone to give him a reference.

I last worked in January 2015 in my application thats when i put my last job was also

elsien

Can't see a job centre advisor being able to offer any useful comments for a professional reference for someone's suitability for a role. They wouldn't have a clue what your skills are. And as they always keep you waiting they'd also not be able to tell if you're on time or not.

DCFC79

Why not ask them what they would accept if you can.