Government hiring process requires a reference from current employer. What should I do?
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I successfully passed the the two first steps of the hiring process: a test and an interview.
For the final step of the hiring process they are requiring me to provide my current superior's contact information to complete the process.
I don't want to risk my current job. However, I feel strongly that working for the government would be good for my career. Also, the hiring process with the government has already taken too long (in my opinion) and I don't want to give to give it up.
My immediate superior at my current work is a nice person, so I don't think she would want to give a bad reference. However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups.
What exactly should I do? Should I ask my immediate superior for her contact info and tell her to expect a call from the government? Should I even allow her to prepare mentally for the call?
p.s. They specifically asked for a reference from my "current immediate superior", but even if I wanted to, I never had another "immediate superior", because my current job is my first "real job".
p.s. I'm located in Canada.
hiring-process references canada government
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
I successfully passed the the two first steps of the hiring process: a test and an interview.
For the final step of the hiring process they are requiring me to provide my current superior's contact information to complete the process.
I don't want to risk my current job. However, I feel strongly that working for the government would be good for my career. Also, the hiring process with the government has already taken too long (in my opinion) and I don't want to give to give it up.
My immediate superior at my current work is a nice person, so I don't think she would want to give a bad reference. However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups.
What exactly should I do? Should I ask my immediate superior for her contact info and tell her to expect a call from the government? Should I even allow her to prepare mentally for the call?
p.s. They specifically asked for a reference from my "current immediate superior", but even if I wanted to, I never had another "immediate superior", because my current job is my first "real job".
p.s. I'm located in Canada.
hiring-process references canada government
New contributor
4
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
5
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
2
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
I successfully passed the the two first steps of the hiring process: a test and an interview.
For the final step of the hiring process they are requiring me to provide my current superior's contact information to complete the process.
I don't want to risk my current job. However, I feel strongly that working for the government would be good for my career. Also, the hiring process with the government has already taken too long (in my opinion) and I don't want to give to give it up.
My immediate superior at my current work is a nice person, so I don't think she would want to give a bad reference. However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups.
What exactly should I do? Should I ask my immediate superior for her contact info and tell her to expect a call from the government? Should I even allow her to prepare mentally for the call?
p.s. They specifically asked for a reference from my "current immediate superior", but even if I wanted to, I never had another "immediate superior", because my current job is my first "real job".
p.s. I'm located in Canada.
hiring-process references canada government
New contributor
I successfully passed the the two first steps of the hiring process: a test and an interview.
For the final step of the hiring process they are requiring me to provide my current superior's contact information to complete the process.
I don't want to risk my current job. However, I feel strongly that working for the government would be good for my career. Also, the hiring process with the government has already taken too long (in my opinion) and I don't want to give to give it up.
My immediate superior at my current work is a nice person, so I don't think she would want to give a bad reference. However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups.
What exactly should I do? Should I ask my immediate superior for her contact info and tell her to expect a call from the government? Should I even allow her to prepare mentally for the call?
p.s. They specifically asked for a reference from my "current immediate superior", but even if I wanted to, I never had another "immediate superior", because my current job is my first "real job".
p.s. I'm located in Canada.
hiring-process references canada government
hiring-process references canada government
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked Nov 30 at 17:02
Emilio
1292
1292
New contributor
New contributor
4
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
5
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
2
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53
add a comment |
4
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
5
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
2
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53
4
4
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
5
5
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
2
2
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
If you want the government job then you will need the reference. Yes, it is a risk for your current job but only you can determine if it is worth the risk. You can approach your supervisor with something like this:
Hey Supervisor, I have been presented with what I feel is a great opportunity with the government and I would like your permission to pass along your contact information and have you as a reference.
If she is a nice person like you mentioned, she will happy for you and gladly provide herself as a reference. She will understand that not everyone stays at their first job forever, and being a supervisor she has likely already seen employees come and go.
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
I think one should not hesitate to take risk for better opportunities in career. It is mandatory requirement for gradual success and achievement in life that one should clearly set his target and than boldly proceed towards it's achievement. Yes in some cases there may be some failures but without taking risk one cannot proceed quickly in life and in some cases lost better appourtunities.
In your case, luckily you have already cleared written exams, moreover , you are confident that due to your performance in current organization your boss will rate you satisfactorily.
In my opinion in such conducive envoirment it is not risk at all that you should state way tell your boss regarding new appointment in detail with all benefit you can get through new job. This process will convince her to help you in your last formality for new job. A helpful boss will never create hinderess in your bright career
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers are good, but I'd like to present an opposite point of view for consideration.
I don't want to risk my current job
That's important. You don't know for sure how your boss will react, or how her boss will react. It's possible that your boss is a kind person who would give you a great reference, but her boss may demand you be fired immediately. You don't know what will happen.
There are plenty of questions here around "when should I inform my employer I'm likely to leave?" (Here's one)
By talking to your current boss, you risk losing the job you have with no guarantee that you'll actually get the job you're applying for. That's a big risk
My recommendation is that you talk to someone in the new organization and see if they can possibly apply some common sense to this situation. They may be able to find a way to check that box without asking you to risk your livelihood.
If you comply with their request and talk to your current supervisor, the worst that can happen is that you lose both your current job and the new job. Are you OK with that?
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
If you want the government job then you will need the reference. Yes, it is a risk for your current job but only you can determine if it is worth the risk. You can approach your supervisor with something like this:
Hey Supervisor, I have been presented with what I feel is a great opportunity with the government and I would like your permission to pass along your contact information and have you as a reference.
If she is a nice person like you mentioned, she will happy for you and gladly provide herself as a reference. She will understand that not everyone stays at their first job forever, and being a supervisor she has likely already seen employees come and go.
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
If you want the government job then you will need the reference. Yes, it is a risk for your current job but only you can determine if it is worth the risk. You can approach your supervisor with something like this:
Hey Supervisor, I have been presented with what I feel is a great opportunity with the government and I would like your permission to pass along your contact information and have you as a reference.
If she is a nice person like you mentioned, she will happy for you and gladly provide herself as a reference. She will understand that not everyone stays at their first job forever, and being a supervisor she has likely already seen employees come and go.
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
If you want the government job then you will need the reference. Yes, it is a risk for your current job but only you can determine if it is worth the risk. You can approach your supervisor with something like this:
Hey Supervisor, I have been presented with what I feel is a great opportunity with the government and I would like your permission to pass along your contact information and have you as a reference.
If she is a nice person like you mentioned, she will happy for you and gladly provide herself as a reference. She will understand that not everyone stays at their first job forever, and being a supervisor she has likely already seen employees come and go.
If you want the government job then you will need the reference. Yes, it is a risk for your current job but only you can determine if it is worth the risk. You can approach your supervisor with something like this:
Hey Supervisor, I have been presented with what I feel is a great opportunity with the government and I would like your permission to pass along your contact information and have you as a reference.
If she is a nice person like you mentioned, she will happy for you and gladly provide herself as a reference. She will understand that not everyone stays at their first job forever, and being a supervisor she has likely already seen employees come and go.
answered Nov 30 at 18:16
sf02
1,7611211
1,7611211
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
add a comment |
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
Not to mention the "reference market" benefits the employer too since they can also ask for references from new hires.
– Emil Vikström
Nov 30 at 18:35
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
This is the most solid answer. Whether or not the OP can do it depends on the relationship of trust they have with the manager. This is definitely a sensitive discussion and should be done face-to-face. Also, it won't hurt to confirm with the new employer that, barring a negative review from current manager, they got the job.
– teego1967
Dec 1 at 11:11
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
I think one should not hesitate to take risk for better opportunities in career. It is mandatory requirement for gradual success and achievement in life that one should clearly set his target and than boldly proceed towards it's achievement. Yes in some cases there may be some failures but without taking risk one cannot proceed quickly in life and in some cases lost better appourtunities.
In your case, luckily you have already cleared written exams, moreover , you are confident that due to your performance in current organization your boss will rate you satisfactorily.
In my opinion in such conducive envoirment it is not risk at all that you should state way tell your boss regarding new appointment in detail with all benefit you can get through new job. This process will convince her to help you in your last formality for new job. A helpful boss will never create hinderess in your bright career
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
I think one should not hesitate to take risk for better opportunities in career. It is mandatory requirement for gradual success and achievement in life that one should clearly set his target and than boldly proceed towards it's achievement. Yes in some cases there may be some failures but without taking risk one cannot proceed quickly in life and in some cases lost better appourtunities.
In your case, luckily you have already cleared written exams, moreover , you are confident that due to your performance in current organization your boss will rate you satisfactorily.
In my opinion in such conducive envoirment it is not risk at all that you should state way tell your boss regarding new appointment in detail with all benefit you can get through new job. This process will convince her to help you in your last formality for new job. A helpful boss will never create hinderess in your bright career
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I think one should not hesitate to take risk for better opportunities in career. It is mandatory requirement for gradual success and achievement in life that one should clearly set his target and than boldly proceed towards it's achievement. Yes in some cases there may be some failures but without taking risk one cannot proceed quickly in life and in some cases lost better appourtunities.
In your case, luckily you have already cleared written exams, moreover , you are confident that due to your performance in current organization your boss will rate you satisfactorily.
In my opinion in such conducive envoirment it is not risk at all that you should state way tell your boss regarding new appointment in detail with all benefit you can get through new job. This process will convince her to help you in your last formality for new job. A helpful boss will never create hinderess in your bright career
I think one should not hesitate to take risk for better opportunities in career. It is mandatory requirement for gradual success and achievement in life that one should clearly set his target and than boldly proceed towards it's achievement. Yes in some cases there may be some failures but without taking risk one cannot proceed quickly in life and in some cases lost better appourtunities.
In your case, luckily you have already cleared written exams, moreover , you are confident that due to your performance in current organization your boss will rate you satisfactorily.
In my opinion in such conducive envoirment it is not risk at all that you should state way tell your boss regarding new appointment in detail with all benefit you can get through new job. This process will convince her to help you in your last formality for new job. A helpful boss will never create hinderess in your bright career
answered Nov 30 at 18:54
Ahmad Raza
507127
507127
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers are good, but I'd like to present an opposite point of view for consideration.
I don't want to risk my current job
That's important. You don't know for sure how your boss will react, or how her boss will react. It's possible that your boss is a kind person who would give you a great reference, but her boss may demand you be fired immediately. You don't know what will happen.
There are plenty of questions here around "when should I inform my employer I'm likely to leave?" (Here's one)
By talking to your current boss, you risk losing the job you have with no guarantee that you'll actually get the job you're applying for. That's a big risk
My recommendation is that you talk to someone in the new organization and see if they can possibly apply some common sense to this situation. They may be able to find a way to check that box without asking you to risk your livelihood.
If you comply with their request and talk to your current supervisor, the worst that can happen is that you lose both your current job and the new job. Are you OK with that?
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers are good, but I'd like to present an opposite point of view for consideration.
I don't want to risk my current job
That's important. You don't know for sure how your boss will react, or how her boss will react. It's possible that your boss is a kind person who would give you a great reference, but her boss may demand you be fired immediately. You don't know what will happen.
There are plenty of questions here around "when should I inform my employer I'm likely to leave?" (Here's one)
By talking to your current boss, you risk losing the job you have with no guarantee that you'll actually get the job you're applying for. That's a big risk
My recommendation is that you talk to someone in the new organization and see if they can possibly apply some common sense to this situation. They may be able to find a way to check that box without asking you to risk your livelihood.
If you comply with their request and talk to your current supervisor, the worst that can happen is that you lose both your current job and the new job. Are you OK with that?
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers are good, but I'd like to present an opposite point of view for consideration.
I don't want to risk my current job
That's important. You don't know for sure how your boss will react, or how her boss will react. It's possible that your boss is a kind person who would give you a great reference, but her boss may demand you be fired immediately. You don't know what will happen.
There are plenty of questions here around "when should I inform my employer I'm likely to leave?" (Here's one)
By talking to your current boss, you risk losing the job you have with no guarantee that you'll actually get the job you're applying for. That's a big risk
My recommendation is that you talk to someone in the new organization and see if they can possibly apply some common sense to this situation. They may be able to find a way to check that box without asking you to risk your livelihood.
If you comply with their request and talk to your current supervisor, the worst that can happen is that you lose both your current job and the new job. Are you OK with that?
The other answers are good, but I'd like to present an opposite point of view for consideration.
I don't want to risk my current job
That's important. You don't know for sure how your boss will react, or how her boss will react. It's possible that your boss is a kind person who would give you a great reference, but her boss may demand you be fired immediately. You don't know what will happen.
There are plenty of questions here around "when should I inform my employer I'm likely to leave?" (Here's one)
By talking to your current boss, you risk losing the job you have with no guarantee that you'll actually get the job you're applying for. That's a big risk
My recommendation is that you talk to someone in the new organization and see if they can possibly apply some common sense to this situation. They may be able to find a way to check that box without asking you to risk your livelihood.
If you comply with their request and talk to your current supervisor, the worst that can happen is that you lose both your current job and the new job. Are you OK with that?
answered Nov 30 at 20:25
Dan Pichelman
26.5k127487
26.5k127487
add a comment |
add a comment |
Emilio is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Emilio is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Emilio is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Emilio is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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4
"However, this will for sure put her in a delicate position with the higher-ups." - How so? I would be more worried about you disclosing to your superior that you are seeking to switch jobs... on another note, seems a fool/unrealistic requirement they are asking you but :)
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:10
@DarkCygnus I thought so too. I was pretty surprised the government would ask such a thing. But they did. I asked them about it. They replied back assuring me it was the "last step".
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:18
5
Check your company handbook and your local laws. Some companies require any references to go through HR. Some locales restrict what kind of reference your employer can give to just the start and end date.
– rath
Nov 30 at 17:23
@rath Thank you for the input, will check the policies.
– Emilio
Nov 30 at 17:34
2
@teego1967 please don't answer in comments. Post an answer instead
– DarkCygnus
Nov 30 at 17:53