Do recruitment agencies give references?

If you’ve ever wondered if a recruitment agency gives references, the answer is yes we do!

Below, we’ve listed answers to some common questions around referencing…

Why do employers reference check?

References are used to confirm that your employment details are accurate. References can also be used by a potential employer to find out more about you, this may include asking questions about your skills, experience and attitude towards work.

It is important to note that by law, an employer does not have to give you a reference and they can refuse to. There are only two exceptions when an employer has to provide a reference:

There was a written agreement to do so
They are in a regulated industry i.e. financial services, education, healthcare and social care, legal services

What do references consist of?

There are two types of references:

Basic or Factual Reference: A short summary of your employment including your name, job title and dates of your employment
A Detailed Reference: This can include information about your work experience / skills and details about your character

References supplied by agencies are usually short, they generally consist of the person’s name and the start and finish date of the person’s employment.

What can’t be included in a reference?

References have to be accurate and cannot include anything misleading or untrue.

It is usually against the law to provide information on ‘protected characteristics’, that could be used to discriminate, such as:

Age
Disability
Race
Sexual orientation
Religious beliefs
Pregnancy or maternity

The only time a ‘protected characteristic’ can be mentioned is if it is crucial to the job.

Who can you list as a referee on your CV?

On a CV, you usually supply 2 references. Many employers prefer to contact a reference who you have worked with previously, so remember to prioritise work references. If you haven’t worked before and you’re applying for your first job there are other referees you can supply. Referees can include:

1. Work References

When providing a work reference, you should provide contact details of someone who has previously managed you like a previous Manager, Line Manager or Supervisor.

2. Academic References

If you’ve recently left education you can supply a reference from University, College or School such as one of your Tutors, Teachers or Lecturers.

3. Character / Personal References

Character references can be supplied by someone who knows you on a personal level, for example a teammate, a coach, a client or friend. Please note, you cannot use a close relative as a reference. A character reference is usually a one page letter, that consists of:

Their relationship to you
How long they have known you
3 – 5 positive qualities about you with examples
Their personal recommendation

You should always ask someone if they will be a reference for you, before you provide their name and contact details to a potential employer.

When do you provide a reference?

The standard practice on a CV is to state ‘references are available upon request’ at the bottom of your CV. You will generally be asked to provide a reference towards the end of the hiring process, when the employer has narrowed down their suitable candidates and need further information to help them make sure they hire the right person for the job.