Will insubstantial reference list be detriment to job search?

Question

I'm starting to explore new opportunities and find myself in a not-so-great predicament.

First and foremost, I've been working at the same company 20 years. On top of that, I only have one other professional job that precedes that (my first job out of college).

Due to the fact that I've lost touch with most of my coworkers from my previous job (20 years ago), I don't have too many viable references there. On top of that, the people that can vouch for my more current skills still work with me at the same current company. I have a few people I can depend on for references, but not sure how much weight they'll have in the eyes of an employer.

Will the lack of a strong reference list be a detriment to landing a new job?

Answer 1

Will the lack of a strong reference list be a detriment to landing a new job?

Yes.

But just because you have been at one company doesn't mean you can't still have a strong reference list. And just because it might be somewhat detrimental doesn't mean it would be fatal.

Working 20 years at one job probably means two things:

• You probably have strong relationships with at least a few people at work who would be willing to confidentially give you great references. I know that I would do anything for some of the people I've worked with for many years, even if it means I won't get to work with them any more.
• You probably have lots of people who have worked with you over the past 20 years, but have already left your company and could easily provide strong references for you. Whenever I announce that I am leaving a company, I always get asked by my colleagues if I would be a reference down the road, and I virtually always say "Yes".

Do some networking and try to figure out who could fit into either of those categories and who would be willing to be references.

And even if you don't end up with a list of references that are as strong as you would like, a potential employer will understand what it is like to work at a single employer for 20 years, and what that means reference-wise. They almost certainly would take your individual circumstances into account when talking with references.

Answer 2

Will the lack of a strong reference list be a detriment to landing a new job?

Probably not (but in a few cases yes)

As a hiring manager and job changer for over 20 years I would say in 99% of hirings and job offers the "reference" has been a verification of employment only, even in regulated industries and police.

So having a reference is less important than filling out job details correctly (no exaggeration).

In the 1% who did want a "reference" one good, honest testimonial can be fine (no weasel words to say a negative without being sued) , but should be as current (and senior) as possible. Getting a reference from 20 years ago (you would have enough time to do a UK life sentence in the mean time) will not help so don't worry about that.