Giving References

[newhandyman]

I filled an application for gardening. It was only £40 a fortnight so was a bit blase with the references-

I just put he name and phone number or just email address. With just first name for one of the three. Just ruhing really. Is it important to have name address and phone number? And ask the person?

 

[Mottie]

Look at in reverse - if you were thinking of employing somebody and they didn’t give you the full details to check references, would you still consider employing them? Would you think they weren’t really bothered about working for you or that they had something to hide? If you don’t give them the details and you fail to get the work, don’t waste your time coming back on here asking everybody why they think you didn’t get the work - you’ll already know the answer.

 

[Bosswhite]

Why not apply to join the Trading Standards " Buy with Confidence " Scheme, this would ensure to the customer you have good references, been checked for a criminal record, your work is satisfactory and the customer has the opportunity of contacting Trading Standards if anything goes wrong, Trading Standards now charge for this facility but you can display the logo on your paperwork, van and outside board if you so require.

 

[KenGMac]

Must admit, I have at all times given all available details when a reference was asked of me, and I at all times have "asked" my preferred referee if they are willing to give me an endorsement that then cleared out of the way the preferred referee can be relied upon?

On another front, I was a Civil Servant for many years.
Someone wants to get promotion, OK it then goes to the persons Boss to provide a reference.
What sometimes happened was that if the Boss was trying to get shot of the person, the reference was a glowing one.
BUT.
If the person seeking promotion was a really hard working good team member that in effect keep the Boss in his job, the reference was absolute crap, thus the Boss could retain an employee he wanted to retain and get shot of a Numptie.

 

[newhandyman]

I really wasn't sure how much info they wanted or needed and was surprised there was such a question for just a gardening job. Surely common sense would dictate trying someone out first is the best way. I am not going for a bank job. Anyhow, for future applications I will ask some gardening customers (old dears etc) if I can use them and make note of their addresses etc. I have also worried what they would say, half of them don't know what's going on.

 

[JohnD]

was surprised there was such a question for just a gardening job.

Let's suppose, for example, that you are totally inexperienced and incompetent, turned up drunk to your previous job, also stole the client's lawnmower, and propositioned his daughter. Didn't work your full hours, and were always late, except on the days you didn't turn up at all.

That why references should be checked.

 

[newhandyman]

Let's suppose, for example, that you are totally inexperienced and incompetent, turned up drunk to your previous job, also stole the client's lawnmower, and propositioned his daughter. Didn't work your full hours, and were always late, except on the days you didn't turn up at all.

That why references should be checked.

Ok fair enough, but how about half the people I do stuff for being complete idiots. Do I really want these people saying stuff about me? One woman was so mad she thought Hitler killed himself when he finally found out the Jews had been gassed. Maybe i am worrying too much I will try and think of a good three and use them. They also asked my UTR number and turnover. Why? I am going to mow a bloody lawn!!

 

[Notch7]

Either make the effort and fill in all details, or tell them you cant do the job.

Ignore the small amount of work to you, to the customer it could be a lot of money to commit, or they may have rich friends and could be a good source of recommends.

 

[newhandyman]

Either make the effort and fill in all details, or tell them you cant do the job.

Ignore the small amount of work to you, to the customer it could be a lot of money to commit, or they may have rich friends and could be a good source of recommends.

Yeah that's what she said. I will send her my sorted reference list in an email and apologise it wasnt good in application I sent a few days ago. They have contracts with other flats.

 

[newhandyman]

Ok so I racked my brain and thought of as normal as possible customers to give my references and now have three. Put their addresses and names and real phone numbers. Two of the three are house addresses, so not sure if the recruiter will respect this as much as more commercial reference. Oh well, we'll see.

 

[JohnD]

ask them first. They will probably be flattered, but if they get calls without having given their agreement, they are liable to be irritated.

 

[newhandyman]

ask them first. They will probably be flattered, but if they get calls without having given their agreement, they are liable to be irritated.

Two of them are just old people and I go round to their houses and do gardening or painting, softwashing fencing etc not commercial, but it's all I have. I havalready sent the application so will re do application and send it and also a list of references on a word document. Probably too late, but I can now use this info in future.

 

[JohnD]

If they are able to say "he's worked for me for x time, always does a thorough job, tidy workman, very reliable"

then that should be fine.

 

[newhandyman]

If they are able to say "he's worked for me for x time, always does a thorough job, tidy workman, very reliable"

then that should be fine.

reliable yes, trustworthy yes. Easy to get on with yes. Tidy I am not sure and they may say limited skills/inexperienced I don't know. I don't agree with this but you never know what someone might say. And they all keep employing me so can't be too bad.

 

[Diver Fred]

I filled an application for gardening. It was only £40 a fortnight so was a bit blase with the references-

I just put he name and phone number or just email address. With just first name for one of the three. Just ruhing really. Is it important to have name address and phone number? And ask the person?

Why does this sound like a phishing exercise - are these prospective 'employers' checking to see if you are declaring all your earnings? Are you paid 'cash in hand'? Do you have accurate records and an accountant?

Do you really need the work?

BTW - £40 a fortnight sounds cheap - 1 visit or 2? how many hours?
TBH - in my book asking for references puts the price up.