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Reference Checks
Hi All,
I am currently searching for a new job with the federal government (currently work for a nonprofit) and their job applications ask for several references...who am I supposed to put? All of the higher ups at my current job would provide great references but am I supposed to let them know I am applying for other jobs? I had kind of planned to keep it secret until I had a job offer.
I do want to use one co-worker as a reference since she can talk about my team work and such. I also want a director of another department to be a reference since she has seen my writing and editing skills. But of course ultimately my current boss would be an awesome reference since she knows my work best and loves me.
I just don't know if I should provide all their contact information on a job application though since there is a chance they could be called. I would only want them called if I am being offered a job.
Who do you usually use for references when you don't want your current employer to know you are seeking a new job?
Re: Reference Checks
Do your best to include former bosses. If you have current colleagues you trust, you can talk to them about being references too. I would not put your current director/bosses, though.
If your current job is your first ever, meaning you can't include any former bosses or colleagues, see if you can get creative. Do you have a professor from undergrad/grad work you keep in touch with who really likes you? Someone you helped a lot with for a volunteer organization? Those can be great references as well.
I don't want my bosses knowing I'm looking, so my references were my old boss from here who quit (we still keep in touch), my grad school professor/program director, and a current colleague whom I trust.
Thanks all. I feel like I may have screwed myself with references. This is my first job, I have no previous employers. I did TONS in college but that was four years ago and I didn't keep in touch with professors or anyone I worked with.
I am thinking of doing a trusted co-worker, a trusted supervisor of another department and a friend who can vouch for my character. Is this a good idea???
That should be perfectly fine. Good luck!