References for Part-time Job?

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

Hi Friends,

I retired a few years ago, and am currently seeking PT work, 16-20 hrs/wk.

I have an interview in 2 weeks.

The email confirmation says references should include a recent supervisor.

Unfortunately, my last supervisor and I had a mutual dislike of eachother, thus, I was HAPPY to accept a retirement package when it was offered. However, I certainly will NOT use her as a reference.

Do I use references from jobs I had 10 years ago?

Won't they wonder why I'm not using the last supervisor?

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

MoInVA · ‎08-06-2011

Was the job is a company with a more senior person (your boss's boss) or a HR department you could list? Or did you have another supervisor there before the one you did not like? Most companies only confirm dates of employment and job titles these days so I don't know how much anyone would say including the one you don't like.

Do you have anyone who can be a reference for any recent volunteer work?

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

If you saved your payment stubs, or your 1099 tax form, maybe that will work..........As a side note: 'Around here' stores cannot seem to find people to work. They even have flyers at the entrances, asking for customers to fill out applications. We know several long time employees in various stores, and they are being over-worked because it's so hard to hire these days. Well, that's it for my little bit of employment info, lol, as strange as it sounds. (Hard for us over here to figure out why, btw.)

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@RinaRina

I have heard (but will check to verify) that past employers cannot imply negatives about those applying for work in a new situation.

There are so very many job problems these days, that anyone seeking employment should not be afraid of getting bad references. Maybe this is not true.

It might (MIGHT) be in your best interest to answer honestly about the situation, as honestly as you can.

Perhaps a friend or co-worker to write a reference for you? HTH

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

I have been in the job market following retiring from teaching. I am now dealing with the aftermath of a situation where I was forced to work with a toxic person.

There are many supervisors, and that includes asst supervisors. The asst supervisor and I are very close and I am using her saying I worked with her longer if I am asked.

Good luck. Over the last 8-10 years "part time" has ended up being little to no hours one week to less than twenty the next. Hopefully, the new administration will get the jobs mess straightened out.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@LTT1 wrote:
@RinaRina
I have heard (but will check to verify) that past employers cannot imply negatives about those applying for work in a new situation.

There are so very many job problems these days, that anyone seeking employment should not be afraid of getting bad references. Maybe this is not true.

It might (MIGHT) be in your best interest to answer honestly about the situation, as honestly as you can.

Perhaps a friend or co-worker to write a reference for you? HTH

@LTT1 - according to my husband and daughter, both in management positions, yes that's true.

All they can say is yes, they were employed and verify dates.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

In some workplaces, I'm guessing that the problem employee would answer the phones, and perhaps throw in a negative comment, whether or not it's legal to do so. (Some jealous/whatever people just don't care.) So, keeping that in mind, and if that's the case, I just might be honest and hint that there was a jealousy problem with one of the employees at my previous workplace. Well, thinking about it, that doesn't sound so good after all...........I don't have a suggestion right now, other than showing previous pay stubs and/or 1099 forms.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@LTT1 wrote:
@RinaRina
I have heard (but will check to verify) that past employers cannot imply negatives about those applying for work in a new situation.

There are so very many job problems these days, that anyone seeking employment should not be afraid of getting bad references. Maybe this is not true.

It might (MIGHT) be in your best interest to answer honestly about the situation, as honestly as you can.

Perhaps a friend or co-worker to write a reference for you? HTH
@LTT1 - according to my husband and daughter, both in management positions, yes that's true.
All they can say is yes, they were employed and verify dates.

Wheww! Good to hear. I wonder why they asked for "recent supervisors"? Can't they just call the HR department to verify dates?

I had 3 supervisors on my last job. Two have moved on to other things. The only one remaining is the supervisor from h*ll. She was so vicious, just thinking about her turns my stomach.

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

@ROMARY wrote:
In some workplaces, I'm guessing that the problem employee would answer the phones, and perhaps throw in a negative comment, whether or not it's legal to do so. (Some jealous/whatever people just don't care.) So, keeping that in mind, and if that's the case, I just might be honest and hint that there was a jealousy problem with one of the employees at my previous workplace. Well, thinking about it, that doesn't sound so good after all...........I don't have a suggestion right now, other than showing previous pay stubs and/or 1099 forms.

Jealousy was the problem. I don't ever want to be in a situation like that again. Now, that I'm "older", I don't think it would happen again --- but you never know. You're right, tho' .. not a subject I'd mention in an interview.

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

@MoInVA wrote:
Was the job is a company with a more senior person (your boss's boss) or a HR department you could list? Or did you have another supervisor there before the one you did not like? Most companies only confirm dates of employment and job titles these days so I don't know how much anyone would say including the one you don't like.

Do you have anyone who can be a reference for any recent volunteer work?

Re: "your boss's boss" ...

In the past, I'd been using my boss's boss as my reference. She was very nice and we got along.

I was going to use her (my old supervisor's boss) as the reference again, but since so much time has passed, I looked her up online and she has LEFT the company. Guess who took her place?

Just guess .....

(eyeroll)

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."