Help basic employer reference

ET22

Ive received a basic reference from my last employer stating the only the dates I worked there.There were issues with my performance in the role and I left before they were going to sack me.Following interview, I have been asked to provide references to a new employer. Is it likely they will question why the reference is very basic or will they contact my old employer? The new job is for a council. I wondered if any employers or HR workers in councils have any experience of this? 

sammyjammy

Lots of employers only provide a basic reference, it saves being sued!  just hand it in and try not to worry about it, what will be will be.

ET22

Thankyou! I will keep my fingers crossed x 

elsien

Do you have an answer to the question as to why you left your previous role which doesn’t involve you explaining you were about to be sacked?

ET22

I just said it wasnt a good fit for me, that i started as a part time agency worker, then took a full time contract and working in that environment full time did not suit my skill set and thats why i left. That the role I applied for is the right skill set and i have the right background which is defintely all true. The last role was definetly not a good fit for me 

They didnt ask me that at interview I told them after they asked if i was available for an immediate start     

FlorayG

As long as the reference says you turned up every day and did your job that's all they need. Very few employers give an old fashioned reference now, there is too much danger for them in it. Even the best employees leaving the company I work for get a basic "yes, he worked here" reference

400ixl

Not unusual for only basic details to be given these days and nothing to be concerned about.

General_Grant

ET22 said:

Ive received a basic reference from my last employer stating the only the dates I worked there.There were issues with my performance in the role and I left before they were going to sack me.Following interview, I have been asked to provide references to a new employer. Is it likely they will question why the reference is very basic or will they contact my old employer? The new job is for a council. I wondered if any employers or HR workers in councils have any experience of this? 

A new employer is very unlikely to be interested in the any piece of paper you pass on to them from a previous employer.  (If it were addressed to "to whom is may concern" or similar phrase, then technically it would be a testimonial rather than a reference.)

They will want to contact the employer and you would provide the contact details as shown in the document you have.  In response the previous employer is highly likely to give exactly the same information as in the document you have and not elaborate even if specifically asked by the potential employer.

Penguin_

We only give basic references to confirm job title & period of employment. Never had any agency or employer come back for more info once we send that.

ET22

Got the job! You were all spot on. I think it helped the interviewer has the same professional background as me and knew what i was talking about when i said teh last job was not for me.Thankyou for all you help x 

400ixl

Congratulations and good luck when you start.