References when you haven’t worked in a long time

[divegrl]

Hi all!

 

I am looking to get back into the job market after a long time away, over 5 years.

 

I have completed my updated resume and cover letters. But I am not sure what to do about references? I have not spoken to any of my coworkers or bosses in a very long time; so not sure if I should use them?

 

Or maybe use close friends who can speak to my character and integrity.

 

Any ideas or advice would be much appreciated!!!!

 

Thank you so much my friends!!!

[basil67]

If you left those jobs in a positive way, I'd contact them and ask for a reference.

[major_merrick]

Unless you are looking at a very high end job, in my experience references rarely get contacted. I checked up the last couple of times I got a job - nobody had ever gotten a phone call. Just put down the best stuff you've got and rest easy.

[basil67]

Adding to MM: especially if you aren't going for a high calibre job. That said, my husband hires high calibre staff and when he calls referees who didn't know they were on the list, he finds it odd. Not a dealbreaker, but not a great thing either.

[divegrl]

Hi!

 

I am not sure what high caliber jobs means?

 

I am going to try and reconnect with some old coworkers. I mean so many people have left and moved on. Reconnecting after so long is intimidating!!!

 

I am going to join LinkedIn and see how that works.

 

Yes. I completed one application so I will just the best I have. Thanks so much!!!

[major_merrick]

High end jobs...like a well-paid manager of something, or a specialty profession such as lawyer/teacher/doctor where recent experience and continuing education are a must. What did you do for work 5 years ago?

 

I just quit my job to be a stay at home mom. But I'm definitely keeping in touch with my old boss and coworkers and I'll be keeping up with technology. If I ever want to go back to full time work, that effort should pay off.

[alphamale]

contact the co-workers and bosses that you had a good relationship with and tell them the situation at hand. i'm sure they will remember you even after 5-10 years. if you did a good job for/with them they should be happy to give you a good reference. and then make sure you offer to be a reference for them whenever they may need it.

[divegrl]

Hi!

 

Yeah I worked in finance so these references definitely need to be real and give me a positive review.

 

Yes for sure. If you leave, keep in contact with everyone. You never know where life may lead you.

[major_merrick]

Well, then you've got a lot of contacting to do. Approach these folks and tell them what to expect and why people will be contacting them. More than likely, they will be glad to help. And if it really matters and the chances of success look slim, bribe them. Or buy your references....there's ways to do that too. https://www.careerexcuse.com/

Honestly, if your resume truthfully shows that you've not been in the game for 5 years, then 5-year old references won't put off an employer that is actually interested in you. If the 5 year gap in your resume is preventing you from getting hired, you'll have to fake some work experience too (and at that point, there's no getting around it.) Let the naysayers prattle on about consequences, but depending on your life situation, desperate times can call for desperate measures. If you're in a good spot you can relax, take your time, and do things the "socially acceptable" way.

[alphamale]

I lied a couple of time on my resume m_m….never had anything bad come of it