obtaining references?

Question

I don't know if this is the relevant section to post?

I went for a job interview as a conference host and it all seemed to be going well. They wrote me a letter saying that they were pleased for me to start work and gave the dates but were just waiting for two of my references to get back to the employer.

When the references came through, they were unsatisfactory (not to the required standard) so I know what unsatisfactory means. But I don't know why they were.

The last employer I worked for was for an agency and I was being bullied at work but they didn't want to deal with the problem so I left in july this year. The other referee I gave was also for temporary work but I left that because it was temporary agency work and not fulfilling me in any way. Now, if I don't have adequate references how do I get a job?

You cannot ask family and have no friends I can ask and my bank isn't quite enough. By law, aren't employers meant to give good references anyway?

I feel that the last agency wants to sabotage me finding a job and because I spoke out about the bullying and left but that is no reason for them to not give me a reference.

Also, I now have a temporary job with royal mail for a few weeks for the christmas duration so at least that will help me, and it is difficult to get into royal mail - a lot of personal and security checks are made on applicants who go for this job, and I don't have a crimminal background or anything and have always been a hard worker and a law abiding citizen, so this looks great for me.

But, it doesn't resolve the problem I have right now of trying to get full time employment with bad references.

Answer 1

Congratulations on the Royal mail job. Is there anyone at Royal Mail you can use as a reference? They'll see how well you do and soon there will be.

Sometimes you can use teachers (from school, university, etc) or religious leaders. Are you a member of any clubs? Anyone in charge of you really.

Anyway, it is illegal to give a bad reference that is false. If you're being treated unfairly, you should see the employment tribunal about it.

But sometimes even a good reference can be unsatisfactory. I've had a different problem, references that retire or are so dyslexic that no one can understand what they said.

Anyway, you seem nice. I can see the royal mail made a good choice. I'd hire you.

Answer 2

No, employers are not required to give good references. If they were, they would have to lie about everyone they ever had to fire.

In general, you want to put down references you know will be good. You will know this because you ask them before hand if you can use them as a reference and verify their contact information.

Often, people you worked with at old jobs and are still on good terms with make good references as they tend to know you and your work habits.

Why don't you any friends? You must have some, I hope. If not, make some!

Ditch the old references and get new ones. Is there anyone you worked with in the temp job? Any friends of the family? Do you get along with your neighbor? Teachers from school?

Think about it and get the new list worked up! And, remember to ask them to make sure it's ok.

Answer 3

The employer is not required by law to give a "good" reference. While they do have their hands tied regarding how much and what they can tell a prospective employer about you, they do not have to sugar coat it either.

I would suggest only using past employers that you trust to give you a good reference. Using employers like the ones you mentioned above is not going to help your cause. You may also try contacting anyone you wish to use as a reference and see what you can work out. Good luck.

Answer 4

One of your previous jobs you left it because you say you was being bullied..so there was a dispute with them..
second Job ,you walked away from ..not fulfilling,,,
What sort of references did you expect to get ..no employer is meant to lie for you ..reference is ..what the person thinks of you ..there is no law to make anyone give you a good reference .. if they lie it's called deceiving some one.. and that is against the Law..