Previous Job Referees

MusicGirl97

Basically I am on universal credit and have only been on it for 2 weeks now. Anyways I’m job searching and applying for jobs like a mad woman because the sooner I’m back at work the Better as it’s making me very down a lot of the time.

My last job, I was let go of at the end of my probation for apparently ‘not being suitable for the role’, I worked in retail and can assure you do have the skills to do a retail job. The fact of the matter is they didn’t start ‘picking me up’ on things until I stated that I wouldn’t want my hours to be reduced as I was only working 12 hours to begin with. Anyways, the never said they would give me a bad reference, because my manager did nothing but praise me. Which further showed that being ‘unsuitable’ was not the real reason I was let go of.

Anyways, when I have been filling application forms in I’ve been using them as a reference because they were my first paid job and my most recent reference. However, I have not told my work coach that I was let go of, or anything of the sort and I was wondering should I tell her this fact? And should I keep using this reference? as it’s literally my only reference for paid work and the only other reference I could use is a college lecturer but of course for most applications you need two referees.

If I tell my work coach that I was let go of, what do you think she would suggest to get another suitable reference? Like doing voluntary work, or going on work experience?

On a side note, I am going on a retail training course in September with M&S for 4 weeks. So is it possible I could use them as a reference afterwards? (I am Guranteed an interview afterwards. But this does not mean I will get the job of course). Thanks for any advice you can give me

Masomnia

I'd still use them as a reference. People do get let go at the end of probationary periods, it happens quite a lot, so I think you're best just being honest and upfront about it. Any new employer will get that. Having a reference from a 'proper' paid role will be better (new employers might insist on it) and it looks like you have something to hide if you don't provide it.

Don't think you need to mention it to your work coach unless they ask.

As for M&S you'd have to ask them, it'll be good for the CV anyway.

Good luck.

Savvy_Sue

I would speak to the original company and just check it is OK to use them for references: it's polite in any case, and should give you a heads up if they're not willing to do it. Or if they say "I'm surprised you'd ask, under the circumstances" you'll know to look elsewhere.

MusicGirl97

Thank you both for your replies and yes I’ve never hid it on any application and whenever there is a question like ‘why did you leave your last employment’ on an application form. I’m always truthful and say I was let go of at the end of my probation because I did not want my
Hours reduced. Because that is the basic reason I was let go of.

And yes I did ask before I left and my manager said it was fine to use her as a reference. She had no qualms about it at all!