Character reference, help!

[IceandIndigo]

I was made redundant last year and I'm currently looking for a new job. I would like to apply to an advertised vacancy but it has quite an unusual referencing requirement. It says I need to provide references to cover the last two years of employment, and if I have any gaps, or if I've been working for the same employer throughout that time, one of the references should be a 'character reference'. I'm finding this quite bizarre as it's a mid-career, professional role and the only time I've seen character references requested would be for graduates or people who've been a long time out of the workforce. I have absolutely no idea who to ask. I'm assuming it's not supposed to be a friend or family member.

For context, I'm in my early 40s and prior to being made redundant had been with the same employer for 8 years.

I would assume a friend is fine, family no.

From their perspective what’s the point of a reference from a friend though, most of my friends wouldn’t know anything about my performance at work, and if they’re a good friend they’re hardly going to say anything negative about my character, are they? I thought a character reference was normally from someone like a teacher or a minister of religion, not that I have either of those…

I've written character references before. It's nothing sinister or difficult. I usually write something along the lines of how long I've known the person, in what capacity, that I find them to be truthful hard working, capable, calm, knowledgeable, great with kids, great with dogs, have supported me - whatever traits are relevant to the job.

In your case it's probably nonsense but it's just a tick box exercise you'll need to comply with.

I personally think there is very little benefit to references at all, because obviously you (general you not you) are only going to ask somebody that will be nice. But nevertheless, I am sure that this is what they mean. You would pick a friend that you have known a while, ideally is in a good respectable career or is on the PTA or does charity work or something. As I say, I am not personally saying I think this is a great thing, but it is what you would need o do.