References from previous contracts

[DaniX]

Straight out of uni I went into contracting and had one contract with a government department and a couple with e-commerce companies. I've recently applied for a permanent position, but now they are asking for two references. I wonder how do I provide those. Can I contact the HR departments where I contracted before? I haven't kept it touch with the people I used to work for/with - it doesn't sound right to bother busy people with something like "Remember me, I worked with you 3 years ago? Can you provide a reference for me?"

[SueEllen]

In future post questions in the right section. General is not the right section for this question.

The references come from the agency if you went through an agency, or HR if you went direct.

The only time you can do differently is if you had an agreement while working there, were your reference would come from.

It is also worth having a person reference from any hobbies, voluntary work, etc you do with other people. Obviously choose someone with a responsible job and preferably on some sort of register.

[DaniX]

Thanks Sue, I did go through agencies - didn't think about asking them. Will give it a try on Monday.

[Mordac]

In future post questions in the right section. General is not the right section for this question.

The references come from the agency if you went through an agency, or HR if you went direct.

The only time you can do differently is if you had an agreement while working there, were your reference would come from.

It is also worth having a person reference from any hobbies, voluntary work, etc you do with other people. Obviously choose someone with a responsible job and preferably on some sort of register.

Preferably not the wrong sort of register

[SueEllen]

Most of your references from agencies and companies will be in the form of: "I can confirm that DaniX worked as [Random Company] from [a date] to [b date]"
wIth wording that makes it clear that is all they can confirm.
This is why you want a personal reference who can fill in the gaps.

[DaniX]

A quick follow up question - do I contact the person in the agency, who managed my contract, or do they have a separate department that handles references.

[WTFH]

A quick follow up question - do I contact the person in the agency, who managed my contract, or do they have a separate department that handles references.

Always start off by contacting someone you know.
If it’s not their job, they will pass you on to the correct person

[vetran]

Do also understand the request for a reference may just be lead sourcing they want to know who your manager at X was so they can phone them up and say"do you want any contractors?" 5 times a day.

[DaniX]

Yes, I do. But I'm providing references to the HR department of a company that's in a completely different business.