Ask the expert: How to get more referees

By MARIE WILSON

Q. I have had a number of part-time and contract jobs while studying. I only have a few written references, as most companies these days do not write them. But I can't provide any up-to-date referees prospective employers can call, as most of them have moved on.

How can I get some up-to-date referees while I am looking for fulltime employment?

I had thought of temping but I really want a fulltime, permanent job.

A. Referees are sought to verify that you have done what you say you have, and to gain insight into what you are like as an employee. Most companies should be able to provide written verification of your dates of employment and job title as a starting point.

For extra information, you may have to think carefully about people who will know your work well.

In your last job or two there should be someone in a responsible position who is able to talk about your abilities and work history.

In a high-turnover industry, your former supervisor may work elsewhere, but you might be able to find out their present employer through your old workplace or contact them by working your way through the telephone directory.

If earlier colleagues are out of reach, think about others who could speak to the quality of your work; perhaps suppliers or customers if you have been in a service role, or co-workers who understand the nature of the work.

If you have been in fulltime study, you might also want to consider your peers and teachers as potential referees, but only if they have a good understanding of your work and abilities.

You should also think about other people you know well who may not have been employers but have a very good sense of you as a person and have a general sense of your work habits.

When providing a list of referees, you can note the context in which the referee has known you and what they are able to comment on.

It's not unusual to have few direct referees at the start of your career just out of study. Just give it a bit more thought in terms of who knows you and your work well enough to talk to a potential employer.

You can make them much more comfortable in providing a reference if you ask their permission to use them as a referee, review your CV with them and discuss areas of strength and ability, and let them know about jobs that you are applying for and why you think you are qualified and capable.

I wouldn't ordinarily see short-term temping as a way of building references, although it may help in opening doors if you temp in an organisation where you would like to be employed on a permanent basis.

Longer-term temping, over many weeks or months, may form more of a basis for a reference, as will the reference from the temping agency, as most will seek feedback from each employer and these can reflect the overall feedback from employers in appraising your abilities.

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