No referees

fluffymuffy

I'm nearly 59 and I've not been employed for over 20 years. The last job I had was a cleaning job, which I left to have a baby. Since then I've been doing a bit of self-employment which hardly makes any money, and last year I was really unwell and couldn't even do that. So I thought it might be an idea to get a cleaning job again. I spent a few weeks in hospital last year and got to know a few of the cleaners, & they seemed happy with the work. My local hospital (not the one I was in) is advertising for cleaning staff and I thought I should apply, especially as it's 20 hours and that would suit me as I'm still building up my strength.

Trouble is though, I don't know anyone who can give me a reference, let alone two. It's nearly 10 years before I can get the state pension, there must be some way to get a job before then. I don't have any friends or acquaintances. I don't go anywhere or know anyone outside my immediate family. No one I can ask for a reference. What can I do?

Sarahspangles

Are they asking for referees?  It may be worth applying even if you can't think of anyone and writing something like 'Not available - self employed' in the box.  I think there are quite a few people who've become a bit cut off due to the pandemic, maybe due to not working or shielding, and doing most things online.

If you don't get an interview at this stage you could consider doing some voluntary work in the NHS to strengthen your application.  https://volunteering.england.nhs.uk/directory.html lists opportunities that are local, there's even a pilot of a scheme called 'Volunteer to Career' in some NHS Trusts where you commit to 4 hours a week and come out with a recognised qualification and no doubt contacts who will give you a reference.  

fluffymuffy

Thanks. I see my local hospital has a volunteer page with 20+ roles to choose from. But they want references to apply to volunteer.

elsien

What about personal references? Do you know anyone who would be able to do that for you? What was your self employment? Is there anyone you dealt with in your business role who might be able to help?

Sarahspangles

Do any of the roles provide details of someone you can speak to about volunteering?  If so I would explain your circumstances and ask what to do.  

The NHS Jobs website is good in some ways but not others.  All your info gets saved when you apply for a job which saves time when you want to change roles - but the same form is used for every role.  I came from another sector where the employers' policy is not to give references so I ended up with a personal reference from a former manager and a personal reference from someone I'd been a school governor with.

TELLIT01

Explain why you can't provide employment referrees and list a couple of people who can provide a personal reference.  Just make sure you don't put down family members.

Sarahspangles

I don’t think you should let the fact you have no referees be a barrier.  The Trust where I work are always trying to recruit more people in Housekeeper and Health Care Assistant roles.  The recruitment team have a Facebook page - if your local one does too it’s a way to make informal contact to raise a query.  The NHS HR people I know are really nice, partly because a lot of the the NHS ‘runs’ on flexibility and goodwill to ensure we’re ‘on’ 24/7/365

theoretica

Do you rent your home?  A landlord reference might be acceptable. 

comeandgo

Are you a churchgoer?  Your preacher/ vicar, religious leader could maybe provide a reference.

diystarter7

Hi

A GP, receptionsit, corner shop, next door etc may be able to help. Or even dwp officer that manages you, etc etc

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new job

fluffymuffy

The deadline has passed and I wasn't able to find anyone for a reference so I couldn't apply. The reference section of the form seemed to be saying that if I wasn’t in work during the last 3 years then a single character reference would be ok, but it must be someone of standing in the community such as a solicitor or doctor. I don't know anyone like that.

I'm sure there'll be other jobs advertised like this, I just need to work out how to get a reference from someone of standing in the community.