Reference Request

Hi,

I recently started my career and I have been requested to provide written references. I was wondering what time frame my employer would expect to receive these by? I'm also slightly concerned that I may not receive a good reference from my previous employer. I was just asked for a few lines to show that I was a model employee.

Thanks

Many employers (particularly multi-nationals) now have a policy of saying nothing more than 'Mr X worked here from A to B' in references. If your previous employer has this policy, you can quote this to your advantage. Is there anyone in the previous employer (not necessarily your line manager or the HR dept) who might help you out with a verbal reference?