Getting it in writing

Thanks for the input everyone. Point taken, I will change a couple of my references but bosses I can't change! Hopefully, this times the charm..

I'm an RN, not an NP, but I've never resigned from a job without a clear offer, in writing from a new employer.

Yes, yes and yes! I have been in same position- offered (and accepted!) a job, only to find it all fall through. No explanation, but job offer gone. Whew, I will always get offer, salary and start date in writing. Period. I also taught both clinical and theory 10 years and have been asked for countless references by my students. I made it a point to give the student a copy of the reference- 1 for their records and 1 sealed/signed for their potential employer. If I couldn't give an acceptable or exceptional reference, I would inform the student and defer to them if they'd like to ask another professor. Been on both sides and know importance of honest communication.

As someone who hires, I can say I will call the resent employer even if it is not on the reference list, the most they can say is if you are a rehire. The personal references will give me more character information. If someone gives me a bunch of negative information, I personally question this and will call more people for added information. If a former employee says they would rehire (good sign), then I will talk to a couple for something more personal related to character. If a previous employer says they would not rehire, they legally can not tell me why, so I will call additional previous employers, usually HR to tell me if the person is re-hirable.

If an applicant asked me to not call their current employer, I would ALWAYS honor that. I do however then ask them about their plans for transition if they should be offered a job and why they are not choosing to let their current employer know about a potential move in the near future.

Sometimes, people have a valid reason for not wanting to notify their current employer. Sometimes, they just are afraid to let their employer know because of fear of retribution. I would suggest that if you are going to call their current employer even if they requested you not to, you let them know and ask if they wish to withdrawal their application instead, or want time to notify their current employer of the up coming call in advance.

Just to be clear I do not call the supervisor, if the applicant asks them not to be contacted. I call the HR department for rehire information, where the information is suppose to stay confidential. For legality reasons you would have to ask the person if they would like to tell you about their plans for transition, some of those type questions teeter on those the edge of being able to ask during interviews unless the interviewee offers the information.

This might be a dumb question, but, is it ok not to put references on resume/cv and provide them later. Thank you.

This might be a dumb question, but, is it ok not to put references on resume/cv and provide them later. Thank you.

This is not a dumb question, you can put references available upon request, however some facilities will not process your application without references so it depends upon the facility.