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Tara Trawick
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Too many references and too much to ask?

I applied for an administrative/secretary/HR assistant position. I went to the interview, but they were concerned about my longevity with any company. (The longest I have been somewhere is 1 year.)

Well, I got a called back. They want 5 references! Two of them must be managers, and no personal references. Also, I must have their e-mail, work phone number, and cell phone. Oh, and get this, they are asking my references a 30 question survey about me! Um, I think this is excessive and unnecessary for a job that doesn't even require a degree.

#interview #jobsearch #application #resume #interview #hiringevents #wordsofadvice #advice #followup #management

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over 4 years ago
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Jeremiah Van Wagenen
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Honestly in my experience.. If a company is wanting a positive review from each previous employer including you left on great terms.. HR needs to review the reality of why an employee leaves a company. It's not a walk in the park on a perfect sunny day. Plus we're also dealing with Covid where many companies have had to deal with major changes including with their staff / HR / management. I hate to say it Tara.. If your references seem unrealistic to contact or if it seems it's too much ask.. Like this company is out of the Blue passing up other likely great employees due to this demand. From my interview experience including working with recruiters.. It pays to be open and honest why you may or may not have a reference from a company and to show you value the experience you've gained through out your career even if the experience wasn't so positive. Especially when you can still put your past experiences in good light. A great employer values growth, hard work, and honesty. Wishing you the best!

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I agree with you. In my field. I hardly ever interact with managers or supervisors.

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Cindy Al Khasawneh
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Customer Experience Rep at Intoxalock

I think it's a bit much! Three references sound more reasonable to me.

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Carrie Griffes
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Accountant by trade, business analyst by ability

Just guessing but I am thinking job hopping, confidentiality, and the ability to get along with others are top concerns for them. You didn't mention the industry, but some have a lot of regulations to follow.

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tazeem jutt
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My job Tig welding job experience 6 years UAE

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tazeem jutt
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My name Muhammad Farooq from Pakistan

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Paul Kocurko
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Your going to have possible access to personal information for all the employees, And the longest you have stayed with a job is a year shows your not committed to the company or companies you worked for in the past. If it makes you uncomfortable with them wanting more information about your person and background move on sounds to me like it's a job that you really want so go with it. JUST REMEMBER NEVER BURN A BRIDGE. ( past employees) always leave on good terms because you never know when you're going to need the.

Good luck

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Janice Reed
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Are they asking all five to fill out the survey and answer the call? It might be that the survey would be sufficient and they might follow up with a call for additional question. Are you applying to a big company? They might need to build up their employee file through these steps regardless of the position.

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