Job applications and no references

Cicatrix

Well, I'm hoping you guys have some suggestions for a pretty odd situation. I need to find a job so I can start saving for college. I moved back to a town I used to live in last January. The problem is, when I lived here before, I was very JW, and only associated with others in the org. I haven't really met anyone yet I here, due to certain life circumstances, so I don't have anyone local I can put down as a reference.

I did make a couple of good friends in my former town, and I think there are a couple of college instructors I might be able to use as references. I'm wondering if I should get their permission to use them. Do you think a potential employer would be put off by having to call long distance to check references? I really don't want to have to explain to them that I was a part of a cult for years, and now that I've left, none of my former friends will speak to me, let alone give me a good reference, lol.

Just another odd thing to deal with, I guess:)

concerned mama

My daughter just went through the whole job application process, so I know you MUST have received permission form your references to use them. If all you have is your college profs, then get in touch with them and ask if it is alright. If you don't have anyone local, you don't really have much choice.

If you are asked why you don't have local references, just be low key but honest. Remember that ordinary people have no idea about how culty JWs are , so you woud have to explain that if you no longer believe and have left that religion, that you are shunned. You can't expect understanding from potential employers, if they don't know what is going on. It is also a wonderful, quiet witness AGAINST the Watchtower as ordinary people think shunning is horrible.

To build some local references, consider doing regular volunteer work somewhere, so they get to know you as a nice, honest reliable person.

Cicatrix

Thanks, Concerned Mama. I'm going to try and get hold of some of my instructors. One of them volunteered to give me a reference when I was in his class, and another probably will, as I was in several of her classes, so she knows my work ethic pretty well.

And you are right about letting them know why I have no contacts here. I've found that in the past when I've mentioned the shunning policy, people have a hard time wrapping their heads around the fact that you lose all your friends, and often family members when you figure out you are no longer a true believer and decide to leave.

concerned mama

Good luck on your job search, Cicatrix.

Simon

Be honest and explain why you haven't got them (but don't sound too apologetic).

People move around and sometimes don't have references available. If you explain it should be fine. Having said that, many places never check them up anyway.

It may be different in the UK and maybe even in my industry but I have never been asked for references and never provided any ... ever.

Elsewhere

I did make a couple of good friends in my former town, and I think there are a couple of college instructors I might be able to use as references. I'm wondering if I should get their permission to use them.

That is an excellent idea.

Mary

I'm wondering if I should get their permission to use them. Do you think a potential employer would be put off by having to call long distance to check references?

Absolutely not. In fact, college instructors would be viewed as very favourable references---far more favourable than your local Cheese & Cracker bro. Part of my job is calling potential employees references. Anyone in an academic field who can give you a good reference is worth it's weight in gold. You may even consider contacting them to see if they'll do you a general letter of reference. The reason I suggest this is that you never know what could happen to any of them. It's not a nice thing to think of, but several years ago my former boss died. I never got a letter of reference as I always just put down her phone number for someone to call and I was out a really good reference.

Good luck!

Corvin

This is funny because it just occurred to me that even while I was in the org as an adult, I did not have any JW references to put down of job applications. I only had worldly people references and they took me alot farther than any JW reference I could have put down. Do what Simon says.

Joker10

Get a good friend to lie for you.

xenawarrior

Get a good friend to lie for you.

that's just DUMB

Job applications and no references

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