Job References

[GhostRider]

So I applied for a job the other day, and under the references section of their form (NHS generally make you fill in an online application and not send in a CV) it asks for references, and states that they will be contacted prior to interview unless otherwise stated.

Now I don’t want my manager to know I’m seeking employment elsewhere for a number of reasons, but including the fact that if I don’t get the job, he’ll know I’m looking for one, and as such I doubt I’ll be given anything substantial to do from then on (I work in scientific R&D, so projects last month/years at a time). Thing is I can’t help but feel a potential employer is going to look at that as suspicious – given that they are my current employer then they are going to want their opinion on me and my work, so I think that this makes me look like I’m trying to hide something.

Not only that, but I remember my manager a few years ago saying if I ever needed a reference go ahead, but that was a few years ago – do I still hold him to his word or do I check to see that he is still happy to provide one, because I know for a fact that after interview contacting references is the last step before a job offer is made, and I believe the etiquette is that you ask for someones permission to use them as a reference before you do so. So I’m in a cache 22 – I want a new job but don’t want my current employer to be aware of that fact, yet I need them for a reference before I can get said job, so really ideally would need to make them aware that a reference request might be coming their way and could they not call me a cunt and such.

What would you do?

GhostRider
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I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

[nowhere.elysium]

Check with the manager that OK'd it previously.
It might also be worth talking to your current manager about career advancement; make it plain that you're happy where you are, but theat maybe you can't see any space for self-improvement over the next few years. It may be that there's something else that's within the same place you're at that he could put you forward for.
Unless, of course, he's a shit. In which case, use the previous manager, and keep schtum.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[D O G]

Is there absolutely no-one else you can ask for a professional ref - or have you worked at the same place for ever? Do you have a colleague other than your line manager who you could put down?

[fatpies]

These NHS job things usually have somebody in charge of the application process.

I've had a gander at many NHS jobs, why don't you contact this person and ask about it?
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"It's easy to attack and destroy an act of creation. It's a lot more difficult to perform one"

[G]

Is there anyone else you work with who could reasonably give you a reference?

I've asked another person I trusted in my department in the past, so they are getting a relevant reference, but not involving management.

[GhostRider]

Closing date was yesterday and I only became aware of the job on Sunday so didn't have time to think about it much before sending it in so this really applies to anything in the future (I ticked don't contact before interview).

@ nowhere.elysium: I don't want to stay here, I don't feel it's my calling, besides its been made pretty clear that there's nowhere for me to go except into production management/supervision, so basically away from anything remotely scientific and supervising people to make the companys product. As far as I'm concerned if that was the case I might as well be a supervisor in a cheese factory. So I want out. If I mention my intentions to the boss then it will fuck shit up for me for sure - there's a possibility of me flying to Los Angeles to present at a conference this summer, you can beat your ass that will be out the window if I breath a word. Now if I'm not even going to be in the job anymore then I could give a shit, but if I have to stick around for a while it'd be nice to have that on my CV as well, so it's things like that which are putting me off.


@fatpies: I know what you mean, and yes there was, and I will consider that next time

@DOG & G I've worked here for 6 years, I doubt my previous employer would remember me, let alone say anything nice about me on account of him being and complete and utter cunt. I do however have a colleague that has several letters after her name and is well established who I reckon wouldn't mind putting in a word for me, so that will definitely be something I'll do for next time. Just pissed I didn't think of this before as the job in question was one of a kind and had really good prospects etc.

GhostRider
____________________
I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

[fatpies]

BTW still waiting on the spoon promise
____________________
"It's easy to attack and destroy an act of creation. It's a lot more difficult to perform one"

[swampy]

I work for the NHS (as I might have said once or twice ).

I have had to do a few online applications for them during my time, and can say that waiting till after you've been provisionally offered the job before getting references makes no difference to your chances of being successful.

They will not offer you the job formally however till they've got them (I think the term they use is that you are their 'preferred candidate').

I have a pretty good idea that whatever box you tick, they will not seek references unless they are prepared to offer you the job.


____________________
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson

[GhostRider]

[Ariel Badger]

I am very often asked to sit on interview panels in my role as a school governor. Just say you do not wish your present employer to be contacted unless you are appointed (pending that reference). They will understand exactly what the reason is just as we do and not hold it against you.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[shereen]

[Llama-Farmer]

When you send in an application, even an online one, find out who it goes to, and send them a covering letter. Simply explain that you understand and accept that they want a reference from your current employer but that you would prefer them to contact them only if you are successful at the interview stage and once you accept any job offer they may make. That you understand they require the reference before you start, but do not want your current employer to know that you are considering new a job.

Most people are pretty reasonable, I think they'd at least understand your reasons, even if they did say that it was not possible.