homewardbound

Is this the norm here???

My employer who I have gone out of my way to help out as I am only contracted to work 10 hrs per week have blocked any staff members giving a reference for me.

I pretty much have a great job lined up subject to 2 references and medical on friday. The first reference got out ok, but the 1 man band HR team on a power trip overheard and it seems the other person i asked to give me a reference is no longer allowed - apparently due to company policy

I haven't worked anywhere else in oz to provide me with a reference .... am seriously pissed off.

Dorothy

Many companies have policies against giving references for employees/former employees.

Broad Shoulders

I've given heaps of my mates fake references before and everytime they got the job. Mainly because there are so many companies that have this policy, including my previous employers.
Let me know if Mr Broad Shoulders CEO needs to give a reference

homewardbound

Lol Broad shoulders.

I honestly cant believe it... Ive never come across this in the UK before.

What is the reasoning behind it?

wmoore

To protect themselves against litigation most likely. Sad but true.

Broad Shoulders

what sort of work are you in just out of interest?

homewardbound

the job im going to or the job im in now?

Broad Shoulders

either. just thought that if you let people on here know what line of work you are in they might be able to help with a Broad Shoulders style reference

homewardbound

currently a forum moderator for a cosmetics company also going out of my way to deal with all their damned customer complaints via email/phone and helping them out in their mail order dept.

Going to hopefully a 'government agency' that pays $20000 more! And i'll also be doing the forum job too as they cant find anyone suitable to do it.

Broad Shoulders

hence why they are so hung up about references! bummer!
well let me know if you want me to help, I'm an amazing bullsh!t artist.

Have I told you about how I taught Jimi Hendrix how to play the guitar?

homewardbound

Hmmm maybe they should have offered me a decent wage to go FT as Cusomer services manager rather than the insult they did offer.... oh well

I'd take you up on your offer BUT they want 'verbal references!'

viviennef

I can give you a verbal reference - I have lots of experience of your forum posting ability. . Well I manage one, does that count.

I am partners in an IT business (not in my signature ) - pm me if you would like any help.

V

Bermudashorts

Are HR refusing to give you an "official" reference too? If so, that sounds off but telling staff not to give out references is extremely common and I don't think the HR person is on a power trip, just being aware of the risks of litigation. I am sure if you explained the situation to the new employer they would understand or perhaps you can ask for someone to provide a character reference instead.

DownUnderPaddy

I've heard of this before here. Seems to be standard enough. Just one of those adjustments you get used to after being here a while. It's an example of a typical unexpected item (i.e something you would never have come across in the U.K. or Ireland) that can make the first few years here a bit 'difficult' as you transition.

The flip side is that as it is a common enough practice, the new mob will have to take that into account for the job you are interviewing for.

homewardbound

Well the good news is the Marketing manager gave me a glowing reference before 'powertrip' overheard and that is why i cant get the second reference... I hope it doesnt sound too dodgy to the agency requesting the references. LOL

The agency seemed very surprised that the 2nd reference couldnt be given.

Oh well will wait and see what the agency manager decides about my situation.

And yes it totally took me by surprise... oh well at least i know not to expect references in the future!