Question on Employee References

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CaptainPanic

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OK I have another question
As you all know Im in the job search process and for one of the places I am applying for requires 3 past job references. I have obtained a full reference for one of those jobs but the other two I have been not so lucky because-
1. I cannot contact one the past employers (tried phone calls, etc.)
2. The other one due to company policies are not allowed to give out detailed information on past employees other than the dates worked.

How do I go about explaining this on the application without looking like Im trying to hide a bad reference (which Im not).

Should I put on the reference questionniares explaining as above why there wasnt three references as required for the application process?

Has anyone run into this problem before and if so what is your suggestion?

Thanks,
CaptainPanic
 
By references do you mean reference letters, or do they just want the contact information? If they want the info, just give them the info that you have, and let them work it out.
 
The employee reference I am talking about is a questionniare on job performance, skills, attendance, dependability, etc.

I just want this done right to let them know Ive done all I can to meet the application requirements and havent achieved the results I wanted.

One good thing is on one of the references is that I got a good report that I left on good terms although I was discharged.

I just want myself to look like Im the one who's willing to do all I can to be the "perfect" employee for this company.

They want the 3 employee job references for the last 3 employers - not the job history but the employee reference saying yes I did have excellent initiative and all of that stuff.

Hope that clears it up for you.

Thanks,
CP
 
Yeah, that does clear it up. I've seen them where they just want names and contact info... with the questionnaire though, I'm not sure what to tell you - for the one that says they won't fill it out - is there someone there you worked for that you could ask specifically? Your manager or supervisor? And the one you can't find - is it a business or an individual?
 
Ive never seen that done before *kinda blinks*

Technically by law your past references if they call can only say "yeah he worked here" and verify the dates....they cant say you were a crappy worker or why they wouldnt rehire you just whether they would or not

Anything else is illegal but to have you feel it out? Kinda a new one on me
 
I depends on your state, if you can give infavorable references. Some states do allow poor references if "they are true".. most prefer not to get into a legal battle although. It is simple enough, the former can give an infavourable reference by stating "I would not hire this person again".. or "this person is not eligible for rehire with this company" short and simple, without saying anything bad.

I too have not seen many companies require such references. Most now, do not even ask for references since most people only list favorable ones. AGain, they check to see if you were employed, when, and left, as well as eleigible for rehire.

Good luck,
R/R 911
 
Check with your state laws. I thought it was federal but like Celtictigress said past employers are only allowed to say if and when you worked there. It's a law here too. So I'd definitely look into that. In which case you can list the contact info and dates of employ and maybe make a little note on there that you could not get the additional info due to the law.
 
I've got the employee manual from my one company, with the reference policy spelled out.... and I ALWAYS mention the policy of "date of hire/termination and salary" when I fill out a job application.
 
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