Returning to work after kids, no references

caliotter3 · Jul 28, 2017

My best reference was retiring for good and moving out of state. I asked her concerning being my reference, and she said she would try to help out as long as she could be reached, so I continued to use her contact information until I found a newer reference. I have used old references out of necessity and have been told that most of the time, prospective employers just go through the motions with references. However, they do contact the former employers and go by what former supervisors tell them. Those are considered to be more important. If your references are old, all you can do is to explain this at an interview. Or, don't bring it up. Chances are that it won't become an issue.

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Jul 28, 2017

Do some volunteer work quickly and get a reference. You can totally make one up with a long term friend.

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2019

I have totally made up references with a few of my friends; I said they acted as charge nurses, co workers ( obviously) , and one time my friend said she was my assistant manager, the charge references were real, my friends were really in charge often... No, they only verify YOUR reference, they aren’t going to verify that your reference holds the position you say they do.

Good luck , ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!

Trauma Columnist · Jan 18, 2019

10 hours ago, RNOTODAY said:
I have totally made up references with a few of my friends; I said they acted as charge nurses, co workers ( obviously) , and one time my friend said she was my assistant manager, the charge references were real, my friends were really in charge often... No, they only verify YOUR reference, they aren’t going to verify that your reference holds the position you say they do.
Good luck , ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!

I don't advise lying. Eventually you will be caught and then possibly lose your job. Definitely not something to do.