Reference for new job - who to choose?

[Spydentist]

Hello, I wonder if anyone could help me please

I have worked for the same company for the last 15 years. I'm about to start a new job next week and they have suddenly asked for the details of referees, so that they can obtain references.

I will obviously give details of my last employer - I'm guessing any request will be forwarded straight to HR.

But I don't know who to pick for a second reference. I haven't done any volunteering or anything like that. I have several friends who I have known for many many years. Do you think that would be acceptable? Also, if they approach a friend for a reference, what sort of thing would they ask them?

I think it would be acceptable to put down a personal reference and state it is that- can you check with them and explain it is because you have been with your previous employer 15 yrs so don’t have contact with anyone prior.

I would consider asking a colleague/senior colleague at work who knows what you are like at work as a personal reference rather than an actual friend.

In my experience they want to know things like how they know you, why they think you would be suitable for the job applied for, dates known/worked from and to, but hopefully someone who knows more than me will answer as well!!

seems a bit late to be asking for references if you’re starting next week?!

I agree it's rather late! I signed the contract months ago! I assume someone has forgotten so they need it done ASAP as a formality.

I wondered about asking a friend from work but I assumed that all reference requests have to go via HR.

Have they specifically asked for a second reference?
I worked for the same company for 18 years and when I got a new job they only requested a reference from that last employer. I have never been asked to put down a. personal reference.

No they haven't. They just asked for referees.

Perhaps I'll send them details of my previous employer and ask if they want a personal referee.

I should think that would be fine. In my experience employers just want references going back 5, maybe 10 years at a push for your last job roles, and if there has only been 1 in that space of time then so be it, unless they specifically ask for a personal reference (never been asked personally)