In an awkward position with uni references

[PrincessPea11]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a tight spot with a course I have applied to and wondered whether anyone had suggestions.

I'm applying for a postgrad degree. I've interviewed at my first choice of uni and they have asked for a more up to date reference as my first degree was a few years ago.

I would really, really rather not ask my current employer as I don't know the outcome for the application and if they are suddenly presented with the information that I want to leave and retrain, if I am unsuccessful, this may disadvantage me.

The reference has to come from a current or previous line manager, from their work email. For my 2 previous jobs within the timeframe they will accept, my contacts are regretfully unable to provide a reference this way as the policy states that only dated HR references are permitted to be given. It's the same wider organisation. A dated HR reference won't do me any favours here, I'm sure. The uni want more detail.

I thought of a HR reference to confirm the dates then a reference from my ex colleagues' personal addresses but apparently that won't be accepted.

I think that the policy is broadly the same at my current workplace but there may be some leniency if it is a current LM as it's not for an internal job.

Given that I would very much prefer not to involve my current workplace (although I will ask them if I have to) can anyone think of any solutions? I will need to act tomorrow really, was just hoping for some inspiration overnight!

I'd rather not risk outing myself even slightly by saying what the course is, but it's highly competitive and the uni aren't going to relax the rules.

I think you need to speak to people. Maybe a reference could be permitted from a work email address if it stated it was given in a a personal capacity or some such wording, or if they sent it as an attachment. If you have ascertained that the individual would be willing to give you one, then speak to someone in the old HR department and explain it is for a course and ask if they can help.

That's a good idea thanks. I will.speak to HR and see whether there is anything that can be tweaked with the format/ a disclaimer to say 'this is not an endorsement on behalf of XX dept'. I have a very strong feeling it will be a 'no' but it is worth asking.

Can you explain your dilemma with your current job to the uni and ask if they can be flexible? Maybe they’d accept a reference from someone who isn’t your line manager.

Surely pretty well all companies only allow hr references these says? I can't think the uni will be expecting anything else really.

The course admissions person must surely understand that given the course is so competitive to get on to, therefore you can't assume your application will be successful, therefore you cannot be expected to jeopardise your current employment in this way. You need to speak to that person and ask them what flexibility they can offer to ensure that they do not endanger your livelihood for their procedures.

A possible suggestion would be that you give them your current employer's contact details on the strict understanding that they only have permission to make contact if your application is sufficiently highly ranked among other applications that only a negative reference would stop you from being offered the place on the course. However for some employers even that would be a dangerous thing to do - presumably this course doesn't start till october so that's 6 months of employment which could be made very difficult for you even if you do get offered the place on the course. They have to understand and accept that surely?

Kiho thanks those are great suggestions. I might contact them with this specific request again how I have exhausted my potential referees outside my current work.

I think their stance is pretty much 'it's our way or no way, the panel need the paperwork in order', though. They said they understand that people don't want to inform their employers but not in so many words, if push comes to shove, you're expected to want to get on this course enough to take the risk.

I thought of suggesting that if they wanted the reference for due diligence but it was looking like a rejection, that I give my permission for them not to request references, I wouldn't be doing an FOI or holding them to protocol or anything. This opportunity is my first priority but keeping my job, and career progression I have made, a necessity in case I am not chosen. I felt that sounded a bit negative though and might not come across well.

Who's asked for the change of reference OP? Is it an administrative person working to a tick box list maybe? Can you talk directly to the admissions tutor who'll be an academic on the course and will have more flexibility and insight as to the purpose and timing of the reference.

Thanks Darcy you're absolutely right but other applicants will have glowing academic references in comparison. I had a really good one from my lovely dissertation supervisor, it was just a bit too old unfortunately!. I am concerned that if they like my application enough to consider accepting me, a lukewarm HR confirmation might be the difference between me and the next candidate.

Hi Tickledtrout it's a senior member of course admin. I have emailed admissions and they referred me back to him, saying he was best placed to advise, so I get the impression they definitely want the reference.

I'm a bit worried about pushing back too hard in case they read this as 'nobody wants to vouch for her and she's getting nervous', whereas actually several people are, it's just that either they're not able to or asking them might affect my employment if I am unsuccessful, because my commitment would be questioned.

competitive Uni course will want a very detailed personal reference. "X worked here on Y dates" cannot cut it.

Can you give any more details about what the PG course is OP? Masters level or topic? I suspect something health-related if this competitive.

MedSchoolRat you're on the money. It's a bachelors but with graduate entry rather than the usual A-Levels. I've PM'ed you.

I was in an identical position for a postgraduate degree at Oxford, so also crazy competitive.

I asked a client/colleague with whom I was also on social terms to be my referee, and also a family friend who was a doctor (and therefore professionally bound to be completely honest). Everyone was fine with that. Unfortunately I ended up marrying the client some years later which probably raised a few eyebrows .

Haha drainrat I'm glad it worked out! an offer at Oxford and a wedding. Must have been some reference

Can you believe I have never seen it? It was submitted online via a link.

I really enjoyed my postgrad so will have my fingers crossed for you.

Also reiterating the point that it doesn’t have to be a employer - Admissions folks are human, and they understand you can’t afford to burn your bridges professionally especially in niche industries where everyone knows everyone else.

Thanks, it's reassuring that another highly competitive course were able to find a workaround. Applicants may not have recent work experience. Someone could apply having not worked for some time so I would hope there is a solution. I've got a call with the officer I've been in contact with, plus a call later this afternoon with someone senior at work from a project so if current employer is the only solution, at least hopefully I can ask him quickly and with any luck at least avoid my direct line managers. Hopefully it's not out of line to ask him to do it in confidence if he is happy to do it at all. I hate not being transparent but as you say, I don't want to burn my bridges here after working hard to build them up.