how do i put a current employer as reference for a job?
Posted by clickhereifyouremad@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments
The job i’m applying to has a dbs background check and will check my references and i need to put my current employer as a reference but i can’t quit as the job doesn’t start until september. Is it unprofessional to let my current employer know im leaving in september and ask for them to be my reference or what should i do? Thank youuu
Murky-Anywhere-1482@reddit
There is also a middle ground here that people overlook. You can ask HR at your current employer to provide a factual reference without telling your direct manager anything. HR references tend to confirm employment details without personal commentary, which honestly suits most DBS heavy roles fine because they care more about verifying your history than reading a glowing writeup. Ring your HR department, explain you need a reference for a background check process, and ask what they can provide. That way nothing awkward reaches your manager before you are ready.
Did_OJ_Simpson_do_it@reddit
In a small company, your "HR department" is just the company director.
InsaneNutter@reddit
Petty much this, we don't really have a HR department. Not ideal at times... issues that could have easily been solved before they became a big thing, become a big thing as no one wanted to get involved.
TellMeManyStories@reddit
At least half of HR departments would tell your manager anyway.
Vivid-Parsnip5958@reddit
Depends on your relationship with the current employer if they don't like you already they might call it unprofessional, if they're on good terms they might not make a fuss about it.
501ws5@reddit
Not got a client to put instead?
younevershouldnt@reddit
Ask the new employer what they suggest, and see how reasonable they are
FinalGround3804@reddit
Whether to tell your current employer depends on your workplace. If you have a decent relationship with your line manager, a quiet conversation along the lines of you are exploring an opportunity and wanted to be upfront is fine. If your workplace is the type to freeze you out or make things awkward the moment they sense you are leaving, you could ask a previous employer or a trusted colleague instead. Most application processes accept a reference from someone who managed you at a previous role, not just your current one. Worth checking what the application form says.
Obvious-Water569@reddit
I do have my current employer on my CV as a reference, however I also have a line stating that I only consent to references being obtained after my written acceptance of an offer.
It's served me fairly well so far.
Commercial-Pear-543@reddit
What industry are you currently in?
It’s much better to talk to your employer now rather than waiting for a dbs check to land in their inbox. It’s not that pleasant a thing to do, but it is a part of applying for jobs in industries that require checks like this (teaching, services for vulnerable people, etc).
You need to explain you’ve applied for a job, and should you succeed you’ll be putting your notice in for September.
One awkward caveat: if for any reason this job falls through, you will likely just have to keep applying, as you’ve essentially told your current employer you want out.
172116@reddit
It's going to depend a lot on the job, the boss, and the company. I would do (have done!) that no problem for members of my team, e.g. where they are shifting careers or moving away to live with a partner (I'd be less impressed if they told me they were going to a competitor in six months!). However, I have worked places where they would effectively treat that as you giving 4 weeks notice. Fundamentally, I don't think anyone else can answer this for you.
Gryeg@reddit
It's not unprofessional though you could be pushed out sooner.
That being said several volunteer roles require vetting especially when working with children or vulnerable adults.
So, I'd just put down your employer details and if asked you could make something up if your not ready to share.
TedBurns-3@reddit
Depends entirely on your employer- they'll like it or they won't
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