r/civilengineering • u/FederalInterview9991 • 5h ago

Career References at 3-4 YOE?

I'm coming up on 4 YOE and looking to switch out of my current role, which I've had since I graduated. I'd like to apply for a posting that is looking for someone with 3+ YOE, but the application requires 3 references. Given I'm still at my one and only relevant job, how am I supposed to approach this?

I have one person in mind who's left my company recently, but I'm hesitant to use people I currently work with for the other two references. I work at a consultant and don't want people to be dissuaded from giving me work, or worse (though I know unlikely) telling my supervisor that I'm looking elsewhere. Thoughts?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/hobbyist9 5h ago

Super common issue. On the resume state “references available upon request.” If it’s an online app, see if there is a way you can do that. (Might be harder…) then in the interview just say, you are uncomfortable providing current employers as references because you worry that it will cause issues of you don’t get/accept [this job]

2

u/Frequent-Emu7248 PE-nothing 4h ago

They may not even do reference checks at all. I've had 5 engineering jobs and had to give references once.