The time has come that I need to go back to work, we just cannot make it on one paycheck any longer. I will be looking for part time, likely retail or something similar. The last time I worked was 2.5 years ago before my son was born. I haven't kept in touch with anyone from my previous jobs. So I'm lost on who to put down for a reference. Is it alright to put friends' names, even though they have never worked with me to know my work ethic? Should I try to reach out to former coworkers that I haven't spoken to in years? Thanks for your help.
Friends would be okay as a personal reference.
Have you done any volunteer work- church, preschool, co-op, babysitting, etc? These all count as professional references. Or get in touch with old co-workers. Explain that you are re-entering the workforce....I am sure they will understand.
Yes, definitely try and hunt down some former coworkers. Do you have LinkedIn? It's like FB for professional networking. Might be able to find ex-colleagues on there.
Good luck.
I haven't read you other posts, but you should join LinkedIn.com. It is a professional website used for networking purposes and it is often used to reconnect with old coworkers, employers, clients, professors, etc. You never know what kinds of opportunities may come your way! Good luck!
Surely you remember the name of a former boss or two?
Put them down as professional references (2 of them). It's not all that hard to find phone #'s once you've got a name. At least put the phone # of the business.
Then put unrelated personal friends, neighbors, etc. as personal references.
Former supervisors would be best. Make sure you call first and let them know, though.
Yes, try to contact your previous co-workers or Boss.
It is always best, to let them know, that you would like to put them down as references. So they have the head's up.
But many times, previous co-workers or a Boss, may not even be at that same job or company. So then, the company you are currently trying to apply to, will just call the HR department, to do a reference check. That is routine.
An application form, will have spaces in it for previous employment, to fill in. So, put down what your previous employment was. Even if that was years ago.
They need to know "work history" as a matter of routine, per the application form. And Professional References. ie: your previous Boss or Supervisor.
Even if you have not kept in touch with previous co-workers or a Boss, you still put down the company you worked for. And the name of your previous Supervisor or Boss. And if you do write down the names of your previous co-workers or Boss for "references", the company you are applying for, will do a reference check. And they will speak to the HR department. Even if, those previous co-workers or Boss, is no longer at that company.
"Reference checks", are done to confirm your employment and job title, at previous jobs. They CANNOT, ask subjective questions or about if you were liked or not. That is against the law and HR policies. They will only, confirm or not if you were employed there, if you are considered re-hireable or not, and your position title and the dates of your Employment.
"Personal references" would be only that. Personal references. Not job related references. And it would not confirm your employment at a previous job.
I used to work in HR.
I made that mistake of not keeping in touch with old co-workers, too. Don't make that one again. But I think that you can find one you might feel comfortable contacting and let them know your mistake and ask their permission first. If you don't have luck - and even if you do - I would consider using someone where you've volunteered while being at home. Maybe you helped out at the daycare center or preschool? Can you use the owner - or a mom that you've sat for?
