Question about references

[Cdnwmn 0]

When I immigrated here three and one half years ago, I brought three personal references with me. The one reference I have been in constant contact with - 25 year friendship and we worked together at one of my former jobs. I seem to have lost contact with #2 reference; have not heard from her since last May even though I've tried to contact her. As far as #3, the last time I spoke to her was in November and having a heck of a time trying to get a hold of her. I wanted to confirm that I could still use them as a reference.

My husband has a friend who works in the military office and previous to that worked for Health & Welfare for the state we are in. He has offered to let me use him as a reference. As well, my husband has a co-worker who is a Budget & Policy Analyst for the state and she has offered to give me a reference. The only problem is - I only know them on a personal level.

My question. Will these two be ok to use as a reference for jobs here? I will still use #1 reference from Canada.

I had a job interview with one of our local high schools for attendance secretary this afternoon. While I felt I did well on the interview, I'm thinking the three people interviewing particularly the Assistant Principal may have been focusing on the fact that I have no American work history and the fact that I haven't worked in three years. I did work temporarily for a school board in Canada at one time so I was hoping this might be a bit of an asset to me. Anyhow I was told they would be making their decision this afternoon and proceed to a reference check after that. I just need some kind of break.

I have an interview tomorrow at the state university but that entails only 19 1/2 hours a week and a drive of about 30 minutes each way. With the wages they offer (which is poor) not so sure if this was a good idea for me to pursue it however if nothing else, I'll gain more interview experience.

Any ideas on the references part? Thanks as always.

[raphael7546 0]

With the other refrences, you could put them down as "Personal Rrefrences" and leave the others as Work related.

I think interviewers would check both.

[kc456 0]

Well, if you only have one work reference, then having personal references will help. It will definitely not hurt your case. For the jobs you are applying for - education, - I think that even personal references can contribute (good moral character, dependable, pleasant to be around, etc.)

Good luck with the interviews!