Who to have as referees?

[Ouluckyduck]

i want to apply for a job after a decade of being a sahm. Which two should I put down for references out of these three options - primary school head where I am a parent governor, boss of marketing company I've done occasional work for the last couple of years, head of department from my last teaching post?

Isn't a Governor, sort of, the boss of the HT. So the HT can't be relied on to give an impartial reference to a Governor. Also, they haven't really seen you in a work context, only in committees.
I think old HoD (shows experience in education) and marketing boss (up-to-date, current employment) would be best. Also gives a mix of trades/skills/experience - wouldn't only be education.

The two people who know your current work are going to be of most interest to the reader of your CV.

Head of last teaching post knows your work of ten years ago, which is less interesting to a potential employer than anything you have been doing recently.

Thanks for answering. i think I haven't got a hope in hell anyway...

A few years ago I as in this situation and asked the head of the dept where Iused to worked. I wrote to her before I did it asking for permission. She could barely remember me we have about 100 staff and a high turn over of staff. With some promoting she remembered my hobbies (horses) and me getting pregnant and that I was good at the job but nothing specific that you might want in a reference to make you stand out. Use someone who knows your more recently.

Thanks. I was friends for a cople of years with my old HoD until she moved away, and we still send christmas cards, so I am hopeful that she would remember me, but maybe it was just too long ago to be relevant.

Is there anything to stop you putting down all three referees and letting the potential employer decide who to contact?

Good luck. Even if you don't get it, it's still useful interview practice.

I thought that, but there is only room for two on the application form. I guess I could put the third at the bottom of my supporting statement?

Bit late now for you, I know, but don't know if it will help anyone else ?

What I've done when leaving employment, not knowing when I'll next be applying for a job, is ask for a "To whom it may concern" reference, just saying that you were reliable, good at job, etc.,etc,.

I suggested my ds got one when he did his work experience recently, and his 6th Form interviewees were impressed by it. You may never use it, but it can't hurt to slip in a copy with CVs at times ?

Okay have emailed my hoD...