[Ganondorf]

I just got a job, so I won’t be looking for a new job for at least a few years hopefully. I am just wondering how you ask co-workers to be a reference for you for the new job without them thinking you are unhappy or something and wanting to leave. Gossip is unavoidable, and my boss would likely find out, and I could possibly get let go before I acquire a new job. So how do you do it and avoid all that drama?

The job I have now is my first job post-college. I asked some of my professors to be a reference. That was no problem, but co-workers seem likely to be trickier. Maybe I will stay at this current job for my entire career, but in today’s world it seems rare for a person to do that anymore.

[Skynet]

It depends on how close you are with that person. Especially when you have helped that person a lot, there won't we an issue.

[hasy]

I was recently converted to full-time from temp. When I was temp, my co-workers ENCOURAGED me to apply elsewhere to keep my options open and offered their name for a reference. They even told me to try out for the big 4. I'm pretty sure once you start working, you can build rapport with them. Trust me, everyone always looks out for number 1. They would understand if your job wasn't going where you wanted and you would need a professional reference.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[monikernc]

hasy, congrats on your new job. i am happy to hear this worked out for you. good luck on far.

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Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[EuroAddict]

It also depends on their level w/in the company. I wouldn't ask for someone who is my level or less.

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I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[How many letters do you need]

Well usually employers don't require references from your current job. I utilize Linked In a lot for these things, gather a ton of connections while I'm there and then once I'm out build some references (on and off of linked in…) from that pool of people. Those are the references for your next job, so I try to keep in touch the best I can, even organize a happy hour or something. So long as you do that right you should always have a good coworker reference pool…

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Jdn9201]

Congrats on your new job. Yeah, asking for references can be tricky. While I wouldn't want my immediate boss to know I'm looking, I think most people who care about their employees would understand and expect them to look elsewhere if their current job isn't helping to meet their goals. I've only had 2 jobs since college, but both of them have been at large MNC's. I utilize LinkedIn and if I need references from my company, I ask people who I've worked with frequently but outside my department. That's one benefit of working with people in different departments is they can vouch for your work without being your boss (and without your boss knowing you are looking, if you can trust them to not say anything).

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[Author]

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