August 2006 Weddings
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Question re: references & applying for jobs

I've found a job that seems absolutely perfect for me. I'm going to apply. Yay, and all that stuff...

Anyway, they want me to send references with my resume, and I'm not sure how to handle that in relation to my current job. I'm fine with getting references from former positions and know they'll be great - but here, it's a different story. Things are already very tense here, and I know any mention of me searching for different jobs will make the already tense situation even worse - especially in the event that I don't get said perfect job. However, if perfect job is serious about wanting to hire me, or even seriously considering, I would be glad to have them talk to my bosses, and I know my bosses would give me good references.

Anyone have any suggestions how to handle this?

Re: Question re: references & applying for jobs

  • Give references that aren't related to current employer. Usually they don't contact current employer unless they ask and you say fine. If you want to be sure, just request in cover letter that they not contact your current employer.
    Slainte!
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  • Hmmm. Didn't they cut back your hours, Elizabeth? They have to expect that you'd be looking for something else, right?
  • imageBrookles:
    Hmmm. Didn't they cut back your hours, Elizabeth? They have to expect that you'd be looking for something else, right?

    Yes, they did. But sadly, I honestly don't think they do.

  • Ugh...I actually hate when places request references as part of an application process.  I don't like giving my references out that early, I like a little more control over the situation.

    Anyway, I would give references for past jobs.  If you get an interview and you feel comfortable, you could then provide a current reference, but I don't think one is necessary.

  • imageElizabeth81:

    imageBrookles:
    Hmmm. Didn't they cut back your hours, Elizabeth? They have to expect that you'd be looking for something else, right?

    Yes, they did. But sadly, I honestly don't think they do.

    Well that's silly on their part. Ditto ESF then.

  • Brookles, the only reason I say that I really don't think they realize i may be looking for another job is that part of their speech when telling me they were cutting my hours and I could take it or leave it was "the job market is so bad for lawyers, you should be happy you have a job, etc etc."
  • I ditto jenni. I wouldn't list your current employer as a reference. So long as you have work-related references listed they shouldn't care that it's not the most recent. They might call your employer to double check that you actually work there, but that shouldn't send off red flares.

    GL on the new job!!

  • Thanks!

    In a way it's kinda scary because I'm actually considering leaving the practice of law for good. Law school kind of drills into your head that the only thing a law degree prepares you for is to practice law, so it's kind of refreshing to finally come to the realization that I dont have to practice law or feel like a professional failure. This job would allow me to use my law degree, but actually do something I like.

  • Good for you Elizabeth! I hope it works out. 

  • Elizabeth, do you mind me asking what kind of job it is?  If you want to PM, that's fine.  I love my clerkship, but I'm still trying to figure out if I want to actually practice when I get out. So I'm curious about what non-lawyery lawyers are doing. Thanks!
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  • You have a PM, bridey.
  • Right back at ya.
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  • Good luck! I agree with pp who said don't list references from your current employers. If they ask about it later, you can explain that you don't want them to know you're job hunting. I think that's fairly normal.
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  • Just ask them not to contact your current job unless they decide to hire you. Tell them that you haven't informed the current employer you were looking for a new job, and didn't want to make the situation awkward there. DH did this while he was interviewing a few months ago for his now-job.
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