This question was posted on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page: http://careersuccessradio.com/2010/04/referee-help-needed-q9-job-search-careerradio/
The full question:
I actively looking for work and cannot provide my current boss as a referee as they don’t know about my intentions to move. What can I do? — Paul F
Hi Paul,
I’m guessing you’re referring to what we call “references” here in Canada.
It would be great if you could obtain some references from your current workplace. Do you have any colleagues who know your work well that could provide a reference and who you trust to keep it in confidence? Sometimes our colleagues know our work even better than our bosses!
Check with your references from your past employers and colleagues to let them know about your situation. Never list or give references unless you have connected with them currently. Also, it’s important to “coach” them as to what your needs are, the position(s) you’re applying for, and skills that are important to mention. (See Donna’s notes on this.)
Ensure you list references in priority order (just like you would do with the qualifications on your resume or CV!) Bosses/supervisors first, then colleagues, then professors, association members, volunteer relations, community members, etc.
Also, ensure you are networking well with your social media contacts. Do you utilize LinkedIn and do you have recommendations there you can also use? Feel free to look at my profile for examples if you like. I have some via LinkedIn, but also have added some myself within different contract positions I’ve had. Keeping your LinkedIn fresh is something you can always do while working and comes in handy in times like this! Please feel free to add me to your network and contact me with any questions if you like. http://ca.linkedin.com/in/brendablackburn
Best of luck on your career journey!
Brenda
http://www.twitter.com/brenblackburn
http://careercommuniqueradio.ning.com/profile/BrendaBlackburn
XML Feeds
