Changing job

[Bananachip2023]

I joined my current employer around a year ago, I must say am working in quite a niche industry. Recently I came across an interesting vacancy, which would be perfect for me, at a higher salary (around 20% with bonus). I have applied but all the hassle of moving companies stops me. My gut feeling is that current employer won’t be very happy that I am leaving and will do anything to avoid giving me a reference. Before that I worked as self employed and don’t have any references. Has anyone moved jobs without references?

I don't think they can justifiably not provide a reference, surely they should even if it's just confirming your dates of employment and job title.

I wouldn't want to work anywhere that I thought might behave like this.

That’s why I am thinking to leave.. my salary is well below market as well.. I just think that putting my current managers name as a referee won’t be a good idea as they won’t want me to leave.. what do I do if asked to provide references? Do they always ask for references? I really want this new job

I think generally workplaces don't want you to leave, but accept that there will be a certain turnover of staff, and that they'll have to provide references to support that.

So, I'd give their details as referees. Remember that you should let them know before they're asked to provide a reference.

None of this is fun to go through, but it can be worth it in the end 🙂.

Thank you Genecity! I will do that, hope it will be worth it

Good luck in your job hunt.

You can have a conversation with the potential workplace about when they'll contact referees, so only after a job is offered would be ideal.

Your current employer really does not sound great.

You stayed there for a year and gave it a good go so it makes sense to start looking for something better.

It is likely they will give a reference which is just factual anyway (dates of employment and confirming the details of your role). Just give them the details of your HR department rather than your current manager if you are concerned.

If you were self-employed you could use a client as a reference.