Are professional references pointless now?

[b0redom]

I just started with a Fintech company who wanted 10 years of work references, and a copy of my degree (from 1997). That's by far the exception though.

With regard to 'real' references rather than just 'b0redom worked here between Dec 23 and Dec 24' or whatever, I try and collect a few LinkedIn recommendations before I move to a new role. I've got over 50 now, and hopefully a few words from a pretty senior contact carries a bit more gravitas when the pimps are looking for folks.

[DoctorStrangelove]

Some time ago I was asked for an employment reference. Since I was an employee of the LtdCo I controlled - and naturally had a Contract of Employment since day 1 - it was easy to get the Company Secretary to provide an employment reference.
I don't recall that being queried. Tick-box process in action.

^^^^ This. for my final job rather a lot of years ago now. .

[ladymuck]

Some time ago I was asked for an employment reference. Since I was an employee of the LtdCo I controlled - and naturally had a Contract of Employment since day 1 - it was easy to get the Company Secretary to provide an employment reference.
I don't recall that being queried. Tick-box process in action.

I don't have a Company Secretary. That stopped being a requirement many years ago and I took the role off as my Mum was fed up of the junk mail (this was back when you had your home address visible on the register).

[Dorkeaux]

I don't have a Company Secretary. That stopped being a requirement many years ago and I took the role off as my Mum was fed up of the junk mail (this was back when you had your home address visible on the register).

Indeed.

The clients and agencies these days seem perfectly happy with a letter from my accountacy saying I've been continuously employed as the director of MyCo for xx years.
Assuming your MyCo is registered for PAYE and HMRC sees you are filing your returns.

[jackii]

Depends on the industry. In some fields, it's all about who you know. In others, references are just a box to check. I've hired people whose references were glowing and they were terrible. Also hired people with lukewarm references who crushed it. It's a broken system.