2nd Reference

[Trinny]

When filling in application forms, they ask for names of 2 people for references. I have put my last employer, and am stuck as to put as a second. I had a large break between employment, as I was bringing the family up as a lone parent.

They ask you not to put down family or friends as references. So this has left me stuck. Should I just leave it blank?

Helpful replies appreciated.

[radiogaga]

i had the same problem, i had worked for the same company but for different departments, and different bosses. i put them both down as referees. hope this helps. x

[Trinny]

Thanks radiogaga, my last job, was in quite a small office. With no other departments, except the accounts. I could try putting down someone from there. Thanks for your suggestion xx

[dot.hawkes]

One should be an employment reference and one a personal reference, someone non family that has known you for over 3 years usually, it can be an aquaintance if they are in a professional capacity, like a neighbour say.

[Trinny]

Hi dot, thanks, would be no good asking the neighbours as I live in a cul de sac where no one speaks to anyone! Could I put down my brother in law.... He has a different surname. I know he is family, but they wouldn't.

[dot.hawkes]

Yep no problem with that unless you are applying for a high level job with MFI or the secret service

[Trinny]

LOL, no Dot, its a job with the NHS......though the application form is long winded....thanks for your help xx

[dot.hawkes]

Well as long as it isn't B&Q or the FBI or even toys r us, lol

[Trinny]

Was thinking of applying to Thomas Cook

[juleejules]

you could put down your GP or a teacher of yours or your children's - suggest you look at the list of people that are suitable to sign passport application forms - I would imagine they would also be suitable as referees.

[footymum]

Hi..the same happened to me,13 year career break to raise my 2 sons also left a gaping hole..anyhow,I asked an aquaintance (he's a swimming coach) at the local swimming club where I help out occasionally as a parent helper (selling raffle tickets,tidying up after galas,etc.) he was more than happy to do a reference for me and when my current employers saw what he had written about me they told me that it was one of the best references they'd ever received..I'm now working with special needs pupils at a local secondary school and say a silent 'thank you' every day for that reference!!..hope this helps you and good luck for the future..footymum

[Trinny]

Thanks footymum xx