Resume/References Question

[rhakla]

I have recently began applying to jobs in the graphic design/pre-press production. I have made it up to the second interview and practical skills test portion of the application process where I have met a bit of a snag. I supplied references in the beginning from each of my previous jobs (three total, including my current job) and the prospective

Comments

[thetar]

Yeah it is not fun.

I am not allowed to give references for my team. However there is nothing to stop me from giving a reference from me personally. So I give out my personal email and phone number for any of my team members. That might be an option for you. Otherwise look to see if you can find teachers or even friends you can. While not ideal I have never not hired anyone who is junior because they didnt have any significant professional references.

[rhakla]

I've put a call into both references as when I left both previous positions, they had both offered references. I felt uncomfortable giving the one reference's cell number so I used the office number.

Out of curiosity, why would you not be able to give a reference? It just seems odd?

[thetar]

Companies are fearful of legal action from a reference in general. They are affraid that a former employee could say "you didnt say enough to help me get this job" or of possible slander. So now many large corp hr depts just say the person did indeed work there. It isnt right in my mind but hopefully it could change one day.