I’m considering leaving my current job, but don’t really want to advertise that fact. Does anyone have experiences to relate concerning how to go about the application process without providing references from the most recent job? What did you say about why you were leaving? What kinds of responses did you get?
Many companies have rules saying that requests for references for current or past employees get only time worked responses. That’s done out of fear of lawsuits over either a bad reference or a good one for someone who didn’t work out. I don’t think it should be an issue. The standard answer as to why you left is to pursue better opportunities. The answer to that question could also be used to say what a great place the place you are interviewing at seems to be. Definitely don’t say anything negative about your current company or boss.
I last switched jobs 13 years ago, and then a year before that, but in neither case did my references come from my current employer. No problems either time.
Most places never asked why I was leaving. They really have no interest in your current position, just what you can do for them.
If they do ask, do not knock your old job in any way. Not the boss, the hours, the work or lack of work, All words said by you should be positive. Right now you can vaguely blame the unsettled economy by saying the company is in a hiring freeze, leaving some slots unfilled, so it makes sense to see which companies are doing well and hiring." No problems or urgency.
And immediately switch back to them “Your opening looked like something I should check into”
Don’t say they are laying off and you are nervous. You must convey you are sure they would want to keep you, but at the same time you are not leaving them in a tough spot.
On your resume, just remove the company name and put “medium size manufacturer” or whatever, and “(Will name at interview)”
She hasn’t actually left yet, which is her concern. I’ve applied for jobs while currently employed. Tell them you don’t want them to inquire until after you’ve accepted a position with them, since you are still employed. Most places will honor this request.
IME if the hiring company asks for a “list of references” (not all do) then they want a list of people who are ready to have an actual conversation about you and your work – former coworkers and managers are fine and somewhat expected. When they ask for names and phone numbers on the employment application, they want someone to call and verify data on your resume, and (again IME) there’s a box you can check to say that you don’t want this person contacted until after you accept the offer, ie, they just want to verify you didn’t lie on your resume. YMMV, especially if you are not in the US.
That was the case for me, also. But because of the restrictions, many places will honor not using your current job as a reference at all. After you are hired, are they going to fire you for a bad reference there? Lying about working there sure, but it would be very disruptive to fire and look again based on one reference.
This is an excellent reason to get involved with activities outside of work.
My company has a number where people can call to verify dates of employment. I’m not sure of that ever gets back to a manager, I doubt it. Anyhow, these days half the companies someone has worked for have gone bellyup anyhow. Good luck to anyone trying to verify that I worked for Bell Labs for 15 years. My pension is with Lucent Alcatel, but I bet my records aren’t.