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View Full Version : reference won't return form - what to do?


awhitmer83
09-21-2007, 06:37 PM
I've posted numerous times about my attempts to get a job with the local mental health center. Two weeks ago, I had a second interview for a therapist position and it went very well. The following Monday, I received a call letting me know that they are just waiting on one of my references to return the form they sent her before sending my stuff to HR (which = job offer).

I called my reference, and she didn't receive the form. I got her fax number, called the agency back, and they faxed her a copy. She didn't receive it. They have since faxed it four other times, once to an alternate fax number, and she still hasn't returned it. Of course I can't get her today because she's out of the office.

This lady is scatterbrained, but she is the best reference I have. She absolutely loves me and knows more about my abilities than anyone else. Also, because this is a state agency with all kinds of rules and regs, the people I listed as references MUST be the people who provide a written reference - I can't just think up another person who might be more reliable. I know the agency is on a timeline; they always start new hires on the 15th of the month, so for them to allow for my two weeks' notice, they must make an offer by next Friday. They also have to prepare for the possibility that I won't accept the job and they'll have to offer it to someone else (not happening, but they don't know that), so I know they want to get everything done ASAP.

If I miss out on this opportunity because of this woman, I may go to her house and strangle her. I've left her several messages and emailed (with CC to her secretary), but I am freaking out. I feel like it makes me look irresponsible and annoying, even though I can't make her fill out the form and fax it back. What can I do, other than choose more reliable references in the future?

TinyDancer
09-21-2007, 09:20 PM
Are you and the reference lady located in the same area? Could you go to her office and deliver it. . . or set up a meeting with her? I think you have to be able to actually talk to her on the phone or something for it to sink in and express your concerns.

SuperDuperGirl
09-21-2007, 09:38 PM
What about scanning and emailing her the form and adding a read receipt to know whether she actually got it or not.

awhitmer83
09-22-2007, 11:30 AM
She lives an hour away, but I'm definitely not above driving it to her house or office. I think if she doesn't have it on Monday morning, I may offer to do that.

I talked to her on the phone several times last week.... She knew this was coming and that it's the only thing they need. I realize she also has a job to do, but it's so frustrating. To me, when someone says, "Use me for a reference any time," that means that they are willing to serve as said reference.

I guess I'll just have to wait it out, but it makes me want to scream.

pepsi91307
09-23-2007, 12:31 AM
Do it. Make the drive.

This apparently means too much to you to leave it to chance.

Good luck.