What would you expect a reference to include?

[Riley Blue]

Along with half a dozen others, my O/H has just been made redundant. She's been given a reference which merely lists her roles and duties during the past six years that she's been with her employer. I'd expect something about her achievements during that time or her control of budgets etc.

Am I expecting too much?

[evilmunkey]

to be honest i think that that is pretty normal nowadays, Just the bare bones of date to and from and duties / role. I always think that achievments and that type of thing is for the application form and C.V.

[The Beaver King]

Varies between companies really.

In your OH's situation, I'd use it as a basis for the 'roles and responsibilites' section of her CV. I'd then expand on it with her achievements/progession etc as you would do in a normal CV. Keep the original copy from her previous employer and bring it to interviews as confirmation that she has indeed carried out those roles.

[GadgeS3C]

More than my last company would provide - the norm I understand is becoming "Gadge worked here from X to Y as Chief Cat Herder".

Edit - no idea how I typed norm as prom in original!

Edited by GadgeS3C on Thursday 14th November 15:15

[GSP]

GadgeS3C said:

More than my last company would provide - the prom I understand is becoming "Gadge worked here from X to Y as Chief Cat Herder".

Yep this is standard from a lot of big corps. Policy normally states it has to come from HR and not an individual

[evilmunkey]

I once heard that part of the reason of just giving the bare basics is to negate any action from the former employee if it mentions a sacking or something of that ilk that might cause the person issues with future employment. Not sure if it is correct though, but in these litigeous times it wouldnt surprise me one bit.

[Riley Blue]

Her reference was returned to HR with a polite request that it her achievements. It's been updated to contain some of them. I can understand why applicants would 'big up' their CV with successes and achievements far better, in my view, that their mentioned by the former employer in a reference.

[944fan]

As has been mentioned most companies will provide a very simple reference stating only facts. This is to protect themselves against any come back.

Its always worth approaching a boss, or former boss to see if they will provide a personal reference. I do this for my staff.