When would you ever need to get work reference letters?

Hey guys,

I just started my non-banking job and am trying to break in to banking in the future. I had a few questions about reference letters from my employer:
1. Besides grad school applications, would I ever need to get work reference letters? How common is it for prospective employers to ask for references from my current employer?
2. If I were to get one/some, whom should I usually get it from? My supervisor? The head of my team?
3. Isn't it awkward to request a reference letter from your current employer and risk having them write not-so-favorably of you because you are seeking to leave the firm? Esp. if I have only worked there for a short period of time and am already seeking other opportunities...
4. Does anyone know if reference letters are more common in Asia?

Thanks!

 
Best Response

I have not need a work reference letter outside of grad school but I have had new employers call my references before extending an offer - of course, they understood that using a current employer as a reference is awkward so most would not push for it & are fine with using previous employers. If you just graduated from college and did some internships, the only reference letters you can get are from there. No sensible person would expect an F500 CEO to provide a reference for you. Employers are reasonable about this. Think about it - they are only going to look at your references if they like you. At that point, the only thing that will stop the offer is a huge red flag. If you come across as a normal person, there is no reason why they will not extend the offer.

 

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