HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR REFERENCES

Meet our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists

Why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company committed exclusively to financial recruitment. We’re the true specialists. Unlike so many other firms, financial recruitment is all we do - so we’re probably the most focused and knowledgeable company in the region. And in Yorkshire, no other specialist Temporary and Interim Finance Recruitment team enjoy as many years of combined finance sector experience. Therefore, both our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists divisions are the most knowledgeable in the region. Karen PitchforthKaren Pitchforth has over two decades of recruitment experience, dedicating more than half of that to Sharp Consultancy and is pivotal to our Interim Specialist division. Dedicated to South Yorkshire businesses, Karen has a vast network of part-qualified, fully qualified, or qualified by experience interim finance specialists in the region.Karen's Company ProfileKaren's LinkedIn ProfileColin MolyneuxColin Molyneux’s career spans almost 25 years and now in his second stint with Sharp Consultancy has been a key component in our Interim Specialist division. His expert focus on sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire and has a concrete commitment: whether it’s days or hours, he’ll meet your deadlines. Colin's Company ProfileColin's LinkedIn ProfileStuart DouglassStuart Douglass has been an integral part of our Interim Specialist division since 2016, building on a career spanning over 25 years. He focuses exclusively on senior interim roles within West and North Yorkshire and covers Part Qualified, Qualified by Experience and Qualified requirements. His deep understanding of the finance market means he is a trusted advisor to many clients. Stuart's Company ProfileStuart's LinkedIn ProfileDeanna CrosbyDeanna Crosby has established herself as a leading Transactional Temps expert in South Yorkshire. She focuses predominantly on the Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas supplying variety of Transactional Temps including, Finance/Accounts Assistants, Credit Controllers, Sales and Purchase Ledger Clerks and Payroll. Dee provides a rapid response to meet her clients’ needs. Deanna's Company Profile Deanna's LinkedIn ProfileLiam O'FlahertyLiam O'Flaherty has over 20 years of finance recruitment experience. Now in his fifth year with us, Liam specialises in Transactional Temp recruitment throughout West Yorkshire. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his consultative approach, ensures that both clients and candidates receive unparalleled service and support. Liam's Company ProfileLiam's LinkedIn ProfileTom TurnerTom Turner is now in his sixth year in recruitment, and entering his 3rd year with Sharp Consultancy, where he has quickly established himself as the go-to transactional temp specialist in the Sheffield market. Covering all aspects of transactional finance, Tom is the person to find the right fit when it comes to temp Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, Accounts Receivable staff and payrollers. With shrewd judgement, he makes precise recommendations.Tom's Company Profile Tom's LinkedIn ProfileSo, with circa 100 years of combined Transactional Temps and Interim Specialist recruitment experience, and more than a third of that within Sharp Consultancy itself, the real question is not why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? But more why would you choose to go anywhere else? Our aim is to earn your trust by providing a superior experience. To discuss how Sharp Consultancy assist you and your business speak to one of these leading experts in their field on 0113 236 6300 or 0114 261 1700.

Read article

Choosing who to put forward to provide you with a reference is a key part of the job application process; after all your hard work in securing your dream role, you don’t want your efforts to be in vain with a poorly selected referee.

What is a reference?

References act as a third party endorsement – a seal of approval – that you are who you say you are and that you have performed the roles outlined on your CV. They are a beneficial way for potential employers to confirm that they have made the right choice in selecting you as their preferred candidate.

What information will be provided about you?

There are specific details that your current or previous employer can provide when giving a reference; length of employment, job title/role, brief outline of responsibility, overall performance, attendance record and reason for leaving. They can also state whether or not you would be someone that they would look to rehire in the future.

An employer is not obliged to provide a full reference – they may opt to simply provide a factual reference – however if they do, they must ensure that it is fair and accurate.

How many references do I need to provide?

It is normal practice to provide a minimum of two individuals, one of which should be your current or most recent employer. It is not always necessary to detail these on your application – ‘references available on request’ will usually suffice – however if you are required to provide names, there will most likely be an option to indicate that you would only like your referees to be contacted once an offer of employment has been made.

Do I need to put forward my line manager?

Not necessarily, but do select someone who will be able to talk positively about all aspects of your work. This could be your department manager, team leader or company director. It is important to ensure that whomever you wish to put forward, you have spoken to them in advance so they can give their consent and are prepared for request when it comes.

What information will my potential employer require?

When putting forward a person to provide a reference, you will need to supply their full name, their job role (and potentially outline how this relates to your current role) and an up-to-date email address and contact telephone number. Double check what the policy is at your current workplace in case there are specific procedures which need to be followed to obtain references.

I’m not sure who to suggest as my second referee – what should I be looking for?

Most importantly, who you put forward should be someone that you have a good working relationship with – this could be a former employer or colleague, a client or business associate, am customer or possibly a tutor or lecturer if you have recently completed a training or education course. Make sure that whoever you select is someone that you know primarily in a work capacity – not a friend or family member – and that they are familiar with your career progression to date.

And finally...

As well as asking people in advance if they are prepared to provide a reference, make sure you follow up any requests by thanking them for their time and letting them know when you have been successful in securing a new role – you never know when you could be calling upon them again!

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for temporary, interim and permanent roles across the full spectrum of positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today and speak to a member of our team about your next career move.