References from 2 employers

[melpomene]

When a job application asks for 2 references, one from a present employer and one from a previous employer, what do you do if you only have one recent employer? I've been working for the same organisation since 1996 (with gaps for maternity leave) and am not sure that any of the people I worked with in my previous job would still be working there, or even remember me.

Is it acceptable to name 2 different people from the organisation I'm currently working for, in these circumstances?

You could ask if a personal referee is acceptable as the second?

Do you know anyone on a personal level, who is a 'professional' ie doctor, lawyer, teacher or someone with professional qualifications?

Best thing to do is explain exactly that. You've been with xyz company for 12 years. Here's the referee. And precious to that you worked at zyx co. and the contact was whoever. The company taking the reference aren't always looking for a personal reference so much as confirmation of the job titel and time you worked there. It's not unreasonable to expect the people at your old company have moved on, and they may still have records. It's not that big a deal if you have a very long career at one employer.

Sorry, meant previous to that. Don't know where precious came from!

I would just explain that to them, and see what they say. I applied for a job where they needed 2 references from different companies, but when I explained that I had spent my entire career within 1 company they were happy to take 2 references from within that organisation.