Tip Sheets

Unavailable or Problem References? What You Can Do

If you checked one or more of the items on this list, chances are you may feel unprepared to provide a potential employer with effective references. This article will help you get the most out of your references and provide alternate ways of reassuring employers that you can do the job.

References: Just how important are they?

Employers approach references differently:

		Some employers won’t conduct interviews until references have been checked.
		Some employers may be reluctant to consider references from out of province or out of the country.
		Some employers don’t trust references. They expect them to exaggerate the positives. Instead, they hire new staff on probation.
		Some former employers will only confirm dates of employment. When asked to provide a reference, they won’t give details about former employees for fear of legal issues.

"Many organizations feel it’s important to get a detailed reference," says the president of the Human Resources Institute of Alberta. "But hiring decisions aren’t based solely on references."

The vice-president of corporate services for a large Alberta utility company agrees. "If candidates do well through the hiring process and have a legitimate reason why they can’t provide employment references, we weigh the facts. If there’s a reasonable explanation and they can provide an alternative, such as a character or volunteer reference, we’ll still consider them."

Unavailable or problem references don’t necessarily mean you won’t be considered for a job. However, when you fill out an application or go to an interview, you won’t know ahead of time what the employer’s approach towards references will be. So you’ll need to be prepared. If your references are not ideal, how will you handle this situation?

Maximizing your references

Think about why employers ask for references. Usually, they want reassurance from someone who knows you and your work that you’re a reliable and effective employee and can handle the job. The following suggestions will help you make the most of your references:

Think about other contacts or documentation you have that would be an acceptable alternative to an employment reference.

		People from other areas of your life—volunteer work, community organizations, religious affiliations, teachers, instructors, or landlords—may be able to vouch for your character and skills.
		Material you’ve produced or projects you’ve been involved in can demonstrate your skills and attitudes.
		Copies of evaluations, letters of recognition, thank-you letters, written comments from customers or clients, and awards can show a potential employer your value as an employee.

Manage your references.

		Offer references only when requested.
		Rather than listing references on an application, attach a resumé that includes the statement, "References available upon request."
		Always ask potential references for permission before using their names and tell them when a potential employer may be contacting them.
		Coach your references. Share relevant information about the position you are applying for to help them prepare for the kinds of questions the potential employer will likely be asking. Ensure that what they say about you will help you get the job.
		Provide written references.
		For more information, read Requesting a Reference: Who and How to Ask (see Other Relevant Tips).

Polish your career planning and job search skills! If your skills, experience and attitude fit what the employer is looking for, he or she may be less likely to rely on your references when deciding whether or not to hire you.

When your references are from outside Canada

Employers don’t often contact overseas references. As an alternative, offer an e-mail contact or provide a good translation of a written reference. You could also show employers a portfolio with examples of your work. To find out more about creating a portfolio, read Portfolios—The Art of Finding a Job and Portfolios: Paving the Way From School to New Opportunities (see Other Relevant Tips).

Ask people in your local community—supervisors where you volunteer, staff at immigrant serving agencies, community groups and religious organizations, or teachers or instructors—to provide character references. Even though they haven’t been your employers, these people can vouch that you have characteristics employers value, such as honesty, reliability or a willingness to learn.

When your references have retired, relocated or are otherwise unavailable

Larger companies keep human resources files. In this case, potential employers can talk to human resources staff with access to your file.

If your reference has retired or moved to a different company and you know how to reach that person at home, do so. Find out if the retired reference is comfortable with being contacted at home, either by phone or e-mail.

When you don’t want your current employer to know you’re looking for work

Most employers are sensitive to this situation—they know you want to keep your job search confidential. If you’re short-listed or have been offered a position and the employer insists on contacting your current employer, ask that you be notified first. This will allow you to talk to your current employer before the reference check is made.

When you’ve left a job on bad terms or been fired

If you’re on good terms with other former employers, use them as references instead.

If you feel you have to include a reference from a job where you were fired or left on bad terms, here are some suggestions about how to handle the situation:

		Take some time to think about why you were fired. Be willing to own your behaviour and accept your mistakes. Contact your previous employer and see if you can reach an understanding about what happened. Explain that you know the reasons you were fired. Talk about the steps you’ve taken to change the situation. Ask them to express what they feel are your strengths and what areas you need to improve. Ask if they’d be willing, on the basis of your conversation, to provide a reference.
		If you’re uncomfortable with the above approach, is there someone else in the organization you’re on good terms with—a manager, supervisor, co-worker, customer or client—who would act as a reference?
		If a potential employer insists on contacting this reference, be honest about the situation. Think of how to describe the circumstances without blame. You could say something like, "It may help you to know that my previous supervisor and I had different approaches. While I respect his objectives, I don’t agree with his methods. After several attempts to work this out, we both decided it wasn’t a workable situation."

References can play an important role in your job search. The suggestions in this tip will help you to gather the best references available to you. Strong job search skills will bring you face-to-face with an employer who’s looking for what you have to offer. At that point, your enthusiasm and attitude will go a long way towards emphasizing your potential and making your references work for you.

Other Relevant Tips How to Give a Reference Portfolios—The Art of Finding a Job Portfolios: Paving the Way From School to New Opportunities Requesting a Reference: Who and How to Ask For more, visit the TIPS home page at alis.alberta.ca/tips

Additional Reading Creating a New Future: The Job Loss Workbook, Job Seeker’s Handbook: An introductory guide to finding work and Working in Alberta: A guide for internationally trained and educated immigrants produced by Alberta Employment and Immigration. For copies of these publications:

		download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop
		call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton
		visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline.

Last Updated: May 26, 2006