Older worker - references are hard to get - anyone else with this problem?
I am 52 years old and have been temping for a few years, trying to decide what to do next. I have held good positions in the past but left for various reasons like to go back to school and start a business (that did not work out). My problem is that most of my previous supervisors are retired, no longer working for the company or they have passed away. How can I get decent (and more recent) references? I have not been big on networking which is obviously hurting me now. At my most recent interview, they requested 3 recent references from the past three years but they could not be from the actual temp agencies that I worked for - they wanted references from supervisors at the companies where I was assigned. I am finding that difficult because for the majority of my jobs I was on the phone in a cubicle and did not have much of a chance to really get to know anyone. Thanks.
Hi Mary,
Congrats on getting to the reference-stage ~ that means the company is serious about you! I'd recommend going back to the temp agencies & asking for their help. The fact that you were in a cube doesn't mean nobody was watching/evaluating. Often the agency recruiters have long-standing relationships with managers and they might be able to help connect you with past assignments. They also might have ideas for you about how to come up with references if connecting with prior managers isn't possible.
Have you done any volunteerism? Helped with a community fundraiser? Or helped out at church? Getting a reference from someone who can attest to the fact that you're prompt, responsible, kind, and friendly should help, even if it's not in a 'professional' setting.
And - if all else fails - you'll have to explain that agency references are all you have available to give.
Good luck, Mary! Let us know what works for you, ok?
Best, Marijoy
Hi Mary, That is a tough situation you are in. I would start by trying to get in contact with as many ex-coworkers and Managers as you can. You can try contacting them directly at your old companies or trying to locate them online. If you can get one very good supervisor reference you may be able to use that and then two other people you worked with. Best of luck!
Mary:
I am 54 and am experiencing the same phenomenon. Only one of the tech companies that I have worked for in the past is still in existence. Some of my past references have simply passed away.
Stick with it. Marijoy was right in suggesting volunteer work,( it also helps when feeling low to help someone else), keep attacking the job market, pray, if you do, and start talking to people. Not all jobs are gained by what you know, it is usually who. Good Luck, I am in the boat next to you.