JustGettingBy Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I'm a recent college graduate looking to enter full-time "real" work for the first time. I applied for a contract (summer) posting yesterday and received an e-mail last night with a phone number to call to set up an interview. When the guy I called asked if I'm free for one tomorrow, I said I needed more time to contact my references, but he said "I don't need references". Does this raise any red flags? Or is this more normal for temp/contract work?
empresario Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I'm a recent college graduate looking to enter full-time "real" work for the first time. I applied for a contract (summer) posting yesterday and received an e-mail last night with a phone number to call to set up an interview. When the guy I called asked if I'm free for one tomorrow, I said I needed more time to contact my references, but he said "I don't need references". Does this raise any red flags? Or is this more normal for temp/contract work? Most people put 'references available upon request' on their resumes. A lot of hiring processes don't require it. I know if you checked my underwear right now you'd see I give zero craps about the thought of references. I am all about whether or not they fit my culture and if they're smart enough to learn the rest. 1
Diezel Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 You shouldn't be telling potential interviewers that you need more time to contact your references. You set a time and then let them know, if they don't already. But don't put off a job just because of references. Usually that comes after the interview too. And not every job is going to ask for them either. 2
amerikajin Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 You're applying for short-term work, so maybe they don't think it's too much of a loss on their end if things don't work out. Lots of employers are going with the temp-to-hire model these days. I don't necessarily agree with that approach but it might work for some companies depending on what they do. I would say this: the job market you're going into is different from the one that many of us entered a decade or two ago. When gen X'ers entered the workforce, we were entering at a time when lifetime employment was in its last throes. We looked forward to working with the same company for 5-10 years if things really worked out well. That trend has continued, only now, the days of working 5-10 years with one company are becoming a thing of the past. In fact, I'd say be prepared to work multiple jobs. Treat yourself as your own free agent contractor. Obviously, if you can land firm employment somewhere, that's great. But the Uberization of the labor market is only going to get worse, or better depending on how you look at it. I don't judge it, either way. It is what it is. Just be prepared for it. 1
pink_sugar Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I agree with the others. Worry about references when the time comes if they ask. You're really showing your lack of experience by putting an interview on hold for references. You haven't gotten to that step. From my experience, if they decide to contact references, they will do so when extending the employment offer and you usually have a few days to accept the offer and authorize them to move forward with background and reference check. I agree with what another poster said about stability. I have had a few jobs the last few years and I would love to stay with one spot. Sadly you are so easily disposable to an employer nowadays, so layoffs happen, sometimes you have to take something part time while you keep looking. For me, it's not feasible to continue at my current workplace as I am criminally under paid and my company has no plans to better compensate unless you're in an operations position. You have to look out for YOU.
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