Not using a reference from your most recent job

[Anonymous]

I was laid off a month ago and am currently looking for a new job. I thought I left on pretty good terms with most of the staff - there was some office politics with some others - but overall, business was slow so they laid off me and one other person (small office) and they liked me enough to give me a nice severance package. However, I need to list references for a job that is currently interested in me and no one from my old job seems to want to call me back. I have no idea what I could have done to make them unhappy with me.

Should I list someone anyway? Should I just stick with references from previous jobs? (I was at the last one for 2 years). We dont really have an HR person to deal with who knows me personally.

[Anonymous]

I would list your supervisor. When someone doesn't list their most recent job, I see that as a red flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would list your supervisor. When someone doesn't list their most recent job, I see that as a red flag.

Even if she hasnt returned my calls or texts asking her to be a reference? Isnt it better to use someone you know is a good reference than someone who may not be?

[Anonymous]

Many people omit the last employer or direct supervisor. I wouldn't sweat it. Especially I'd you have another reference from the office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would list your supervisor. When someone doesn't list their most recent job, I see that as a red flag.

Even if she hasnt returned my calls or texts asking her to be a reference? Isnt it better to use someone you know is a good reference than someone who may not be?

As someone who has served as a reference for many people, I would it very odd if I got a call from someone who listed me as a reference without my permission. And as someone who is responsible for all hiring at my organization, I would see it as a red flag if I called one of your references and s/he mentioned that you hadn't asked for and obtained permission to use them as a reference. Of course, listing past employers' contact information for confirmation of employment is a different matter.

[Anonymous]

agree with 20:20. You don't need to list them as a reference (a lot of people don't considering many people look for a new job while already having a job), but you do need to include the info on your resume. If you completely omitted it, then I think it would look pretty bad.