question about referees

[nicky1968]

I'm applying for a job which asks for 2 referees for different jobs. However, I've been in this job for the last 11 years with the same line manager for the last 8. The previous one left and I've no idea where she might be now.
Prior to this one I had a job with the council for 9 months but I can't remember my line manager's name and I would think he would have retired by now anyway seeing as he was in his late 50s at the time.

Before that I temped for about a year after having done a degree and I doubt anyone there would know enough to give me a reference - unless I request a reference from someone at University but again, I left in 2000 and I wouldn't know whose name to give (I can't even remember my tutor's name but I'm fairly sure he's retired now).

And lastly, before that I worked in a call centre until 1996 but the company has been taken over twice since then. What do I do? I have no idea who to put as a second referee? Help!

I would leave it blank, but put a note somewhere explaining why.

My pet hate when recruiting is people who have ignored the instructions regarding references and instead of using last employer ( as we too require) detail a colleague or worse a friend, or next door neighbour!!

Hi thanks, it's an on-line form and the 2nd referee is a required field with
Name
Address etc
but no way of me putting a note to explain?

I think I'd try putting Manager, X Department, and the address of the Council where you worked and the dates. Perhaps you could phone the right department of the Council just in case they are still there and get the name?

Not much of a suggestion is it? Can you call the company that you are applying to on Monday and ask them what else they suggest given your circumstances?