Uh...hello. Joel the Manager from 4 years ago please.
June 2, 2009 7:06 PM   Subscribe

I had a summer job a few years ago that I wish to list on new job applications. The problem is that I don't exactly remember any of my supervisors' names. What do I do?

I only worked there for three months. I can recall two managers' first names. However, I'm fairly certain that neither of them works there anymore, so calling to get a full name is out of the question.

Is there a standard for dealing with this on a job application/resume? Do I simply leave the supervisor field blank? List one of the first names I remember?

Since it was only a summer job, it seems silly to even worry about it, and I am tempted to simply omit this particular job from applications completely. However, I am currently filling out an application for a volunteer service that would like to know my entire work history. I feel it may seem neglectful to either leave the job out altogether or to leave the supervisor field blank.
posted by Team of Scientists to Work & Money (7 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Even if they don't work there anymore, there's a good chance someone who does work there now will be able to remember their full names. Give them a call.
posted by nitsuj at 7:11 PM on June 2, 2009


Call and ask if anyone remembers their last names. If nobody knows, then maybe you can get the name of a current supervisor. If they even do call that employer, they will probably only be verifying that you did indeed work there, so as long as there is record of your existence, that should work.
posted by ishotjr at 7:22 PM on June 2, 2009


I'd recommend calling the old place and seeing if you can get their names. It is true that a new place may only call to verify what you say, but if you can get recs or keep in contact with these people, it may help you in the future. I'd recommend doing it now rather than later.
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:30 PM on June 2, 2009


Agreeing with the advice given- the company should have your personnel file archived and someone should be able to look up that information for you.

If that doesn't work, please don't panic. As someone who's reviewed thousands of job applications, the lack of or uncertainty of a former supervisor's name on an app would not be a red flag for me. Just make sure you have the other necessary information filled out.

When I call for references / employment confirmation, I'm never connected with the former supervisor anyhow. It's invariably another HR person (who's too cagey to disclose anything anyhow, dang it) or I'm dumped on a professional reference service who reveals even less.

Good Luck!
posted by GuffProof at 8:50 PM on June 2, 2009


"Referenced Provided Upon Request"
posted by wfrgms at 9:11 PM on June 2, 2009 [1 favorite]


Maybe call the old place and ask if they keep records of old employees. If they do you could ask who would be the best person for the volunteer service to call and verify you worked there.
posted by Laura_J at 10:55 AM on June 3, 2009


wfrgms: ""Referenced Provided Upon Request""

It's one thing to have that on a resume. Another (stupid thing) to put it on a job application.
posted by radioamy at 11:52 AM on June 3, 2009


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