Job Discussion Forums

[dackinator]

Last week I was all but offered a job at a school, to the point where we were discussing transport. Then today I suddenly received a reply saying that my application had failed because of my references: 1 email address had bounced (I assume he has changed school), and 1 email was never replied to.

This seems to be an issue that comes every time I look to change job, there are delays waiting for references or I have to supply alternatives because someone didn't answer. Is this a problem others have also?

It seems like a problem with language schools. You have busy DoS, schools closing seasonally, bosses frequently changing schools, and often only one point of contact at the school. And recruitment often handled by a director rather than HR with the time to check thoroughly. Is it just me or does this all make getting references hard? Does anyone have tips? It seems like the only mitigating factor is that HR at these schools is often very lax with following up references anyway.

[santi84]

I learned this lesson the hard way when my practicum supervisor trotted off to some unknown part of the globe, without warning. All I had was the original notes from her observations/final review. Every time I was asked for a phone reference or letter, I had to say sorry! It took a lot of volunteer hours to rebuild a work-related reference (professors were fine, but they want supervisors). Try your best to stay in touch, even if it's shallow conversation. Sorry about the application fail - keep at it. You should always make sure that your references are reachable when in an application process, by checking with them first.

[currentaffairs]

Try to get a written reference from your boss before you leave a job.. Scan them all and keep them on file. Get a pool of referees that you can switch around according to the job that you are going for and the amount of times you have used them as referees. Try to keep in touch periodically and update their details! LinkedIn is a good way to keep in touch with everyone in your professional network and alleviate some of these problems.

[Hod]

It's not very professional to provide out of date contact details for a reference. Likewise, it's good manners to ask someone before using their details. Doing so will also allow you to check if they're still reachable or have moved on. I'm a bit surprised people just write down referees' details without asking permission first.

[jonniboy]

Totally agree with current affairs, I get a hard copy of a reference from every school, signed, dated, stamped and an headed paper and scan it and send them along with the application. Never had problems.

[scot47]

Get testimonials - Letters from superiors telling the world what a wonderful person you are. A reference is trickier because people move on. (When giving a reference you give a name and contact details and the would-be-employer contacts that referee. A testimonial is an open letter saying you are the greatest.)

[peripatetic_soul]

When I requested references from previous supervisors or professors, they often sent me a copy as a Word doc which I retained on a flash drive so that if I needed to make subsequent requests, I could send that letter to them along with an update on my credentials and/or teaching experience to facilitate the process.

As others have mentioned, keeping scanned copies of all documents is a time saver as well.

Best wishes,
PS

[Wolfsong]