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References when you haven't worked for several years .....

3 replies

ThatCoolDenimSquid · 09/06/2025 21:00

I haven't been employed for 12 years.
I'm part way through an online application for a part-time, fixed term job with a major employer.
I need 2 referees.
1st referee - easy. My last employer (12 years ago) who will no doubt only confirm that they did employ me and (possibly) confirm the dates of employment.
2nd referee - hard. No, I don't have a doctor, lawyer, teacher, tutor, that I am on sufficient terms with for me to ask them to provide a character reference. So, for several years I have provided business admin and accounts prep (voluntarily, not paid) for a self-employed contractor. Can I include this voluntary work in my Job History and then put forward the contractor as a referee???
Anyone got any similar experience? Any ideas?

OP posts:
Objectrelations · 09/06/2025 21:01

I don’t see why you can’t use the voluntary work reference

Objectrelations · 09/06/2025 21:01

And well done for getting to this stage

drspouse · 09/06/2025 21:02

The referee sounds perfect
I've written a reference for someone that volunteered with me before (I'm older and a professional and she was applying for her first proper job).

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