references from current employer

[violet1986]

I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered a new job and terrified that it's not all going to work out as I'm so excited to start!!!!

The job has been offered on the basis of them obtaining 2 satisfactory references. They haven't specified that these references should include my current employer.

Does this mean I don't have to offer up the contact details for my current employer? I am worried because my current boss and I do NOT get on. It's a small organisation, only 3 full time staff, so she'd be the only person I could ask really. I haven't handed in my notice yet but I know she will take it badly, and she has generally treated me as an irritating inconvenience since I first started this job (hence seeking a new one). I haven't been here long - 9 months - and its a really bad time to leave, its incredibly busy and we are in the middle of several major projects. So she's not exactly going to have warm feelings towards me when I hand my notice in.

I'm also worried that she is quite sneaky - when she checked my references she called both of them after they had sent written ones, in case there was anything they 'weren't willing to commit to paper'!! (not sure what she was expecting to find out!)

My two jobs preceding my current one were both within the same organisation, but both of my managers LOVED me so I'm tempted just to offer both of them!

Would this look weird and suspicious though? Really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[Picturesinthefirelight]

It's good practice to speak directly to referees. I always try to do so as its reccomended in our child protection policy.

[KarenHillavoidJimmyswarehouse]

If it's a job which has a safeguarding element then there will be a degree of date checking so that your employment history doesn't have gaps. However since your offer says 2 satisfactory references but doesn't make any other specifications then I'd be inclined to just give the two that you're thinking of. You can always add a note to say you can provide other references as required.

[violet1986]

thanks, I don't think it has a safeguarding element (the new job) but, to be fair, my current job does so maybe thats why she called.

I just don't want look strange or like I'm trying to hide something by not giving her details - not sure what the general practice is when the current employer isn't directly requested.

Thanks for replying!