Ridiculous referees

[Canopus]

I have been offered a new job subject to passing a security check. Part of the security check requires 3 referees that fit the following description:

 

1. I have known them for at least 3 years.

 

2. I am in contact with them on a regular basis.

 

3. They have no financial connections with me.

 

4. They are not a current or previous employer.

 

5. They are not a relative.

 

Normally when I give referees I use a current employer, a previous employer, and a psychologist who works with my local AS support group. None of these are suitable.

 

I have found 2 people who fit the description but cannot find a third person. The company told me they should be people who know me well - like friends or people I socialise with or even is part of a sports team.

 

I find this very bizarre. It seems to be more like a test of how long I can keep friends for rather than using a reputable person. What should I do?

[Lynden]

I've never heard of that either! Usually they want someone who was a previous employer or workmate, along with someone who knows you but isn't a relative as a character reference.

 

Odd!

 

Lynne x

[pearl]

Congrats on the job!

*thinks*

family solicitor?

How come the psych isnt suitable?

What about your GP?

I really can't think of anyone else! I have no idea who I'd ask with those criteria, except maybe staff from JP's college that I've worked alongside. No hang on they wouldnt count, only known them 2 years. Sheesh this is hard.

 

Maybe you could ask them for a suitable list to give you some ideas who to ask.

[Canopus]

I have only known the psychologist for 2 years. I shall enquire about whether my GP and dentist are acceptable.

[pearl]

I have only known the psychologist for 2 years. I shall enquire about whether my GP and dentist are acceptable.

 

quote from dentist - "well, Canopus has lovely teeth....."

Why in the name of all that is holy would they prefer all these random peeps over previous employers, people who actually KNOW what you can do? Its a mad world.......

[Canopus]

This world is going mad. I can theoretically pick 3 complete nobodies who just happen to have known me for over 3 years but I can't use reputable people in a position of authority.

[Tally]

Are you applying to MI5 or something? I suppose if you told me you would have to kill me!

 

They're basically asking for 3 friends, rather than relatives or employers. Do you have 3 friends, or friends of the family? I'm sure that even I could rustle up 3.

[bikergal]

"well, Canopus has lovely teeth..."

 

Nothing useful to add to this thread but loved your reply Pearl, made me laugh out loud.