References and job hunting

[DrFaroohk]

I've had like one really long term job. And guess what. That company doesn't provide references. I have a long list of managers and co-workers that I could list for references in my job hunting, but because of company policy they're not allowed to say anything about me.

So I have to pull people out of my ass for references. Which makes me look desperate, like I must've been such a shitty employee that I don't dare let them speak to anyone who might actually have seen me function.

It really doesn't help with this whole job search thing.

I'm beginning to think that I'm like this interviewing mule...I don't know how it works, but I can imagine that sometimes companies have to interview more people than they give a crap about so they can't be accused of discrimination or favoritism or something. I think I'm one of those guys they call and interview just so they can say "oh yeah I did a thorough search, I interviewed 16 people!"

[powerboy]

Man, tell me about it. Then half the time, they don't get called.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Use friends or co-workers from older jobs that you trust to give you a good reference. Maybe other jobs you've had do not have this same restriction.