who to ask for a reference?

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I got my dream job. I got a verbal offer, they are checking references and then a written offer will follow.

I gave them 2 references from previous jobs, one of these can be hard to reach. They said they left a few messages for her and are waiting to hear back. The other one gave a great reference.

Now, we are waiting. She may call back, but I am just planning what to do if she doesnt call back.

Neither reference is from the job I have been at for the last 2 years (I am still there on a per diem basis-say 2 shifts a month so they are my "current employer").

So I figure they may want to speak to someone at that job especially if reference #2 doesnt call back. I am fine with that but here is the problem:

The facility is very small and my boss (who is very likely unmedicated bipolar) was fired 2 days ago. She was the boss I reported to. Every place wants to talk to the person you reported to-not a coworker. She did like me but she is very unstable and I feel bad calling her now and asking for a reference at this time and with her state of mind-who knows what she could say. Plus, she may not even answer the phone as she is very upset.

There is no one else who I really reported to there. There is the administrator but since I worked nights only, I never ever saw him-like 2 times in 2 years. He doesnt know me well but he does know that I have never had any problems or absenses at work.

Or I could ask the coworker who is temporarily taking on the fired boss' job. But she really has not supervised me but she does have a good idea as to the type of worker I am etc. We have worked together for 2 years.

I REALLY want this job.

So, who do I ask for a reference?

Fired boss?

Administrator?

Temp boss?

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Call the one who puts you in best light.It is a reference. Your other boss was fired, should she be a reference since she cannot act under the capacity of that facility?

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Call the one who puts you in best light.It is a reference. Your other boss was fired, should be a reference since she cannot act under the capacity of that facility?

Did I understand correctly? You said, the fired boss SHOULD be a reference?

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Did I understand correctly? You said, the fired boss SHOULD be a reference?

Edited. My fingers typed faster then my eyes could read. I meant to say, should she be"?

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Temp boss - - she knows your abilities, and even if she did not supervise you, can attest to your fine qualities!

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Specializes in NICU and case management.

Your coworker of 2 years, now interim supervisor, is your best option, evaluating you as a peer as well your new supervisor. She can offer 2 different and positive perspectives of your capabilities and work ethic.

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I would hold off on offering another name in the hopes that the hard to reach reference responds. I was in an almost identical situation. When your boss gets fired or is asked to resign, it puts you in a bad situation. Hopefully, the new job will drop the reference quest and go with the one reference that they have, as has happened to me in the past. Good luck with this.

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i would go with temp boss if hard to reach reference doesnt pan out

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