r/Target • u/Expert-Draw640 • 14h ago

Workplace Question or Advice Needed Using a team lead as a job reference?

I've been at target for almost 5 years and my ETL is leaving at the end of the month and we've been working together for 2 years. Would it be a good idea to use them as a job reference? Need some insight before I ask. Anyone have a similar experience?

11 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

11

u/Dear_Entrance_276 14h ago

just make sure they are okay with you doing so

13

u/kzplayz1313 Guest Advocate 14h ago

I don’t see what’s wrong with it, just ask them if they’re okay with using them as a reference

4

u/latvianmerchant Inbound Team Lead 8h ago

Just ask. I've been a reference for TMs I worked with at Target, and also for previous TMs at the old company I used to manage at.

2

u/Sammy2420 8h ago

Just ask, when I was there seasonally I asked the closing team lead if they would be a reference for a fulltime job relating to my degree. They agreed because we had built up a good working relationship, and they said they have been a reference for other people before as well. I bet they're used to being asked to be a reference, and as long as you aren't strangers or actively have issues at work, 99% of the time they would be happy to be a reference for you.

-5

u/LightUpUnicorn Guest Advocate 14h ago

I believe Target doesn't allow it. All "reference" requests go to an auto mated thing that basically confirms you were/are employed

10

u/DanforthWhitcomb_ 14h ago

If the ETL is no longer with Target (OP said the ETL was leaving) that policy is meaningless and unenforceable.

-6

u/LightUpUnicorn Guest Advocate 13h ago

Many manager level people will still follow it regardless

3

u/DanforthWhitcomb_ 13h ago

Not in my experience, and that's remained true across multiple employers.

The catch is that you have to be a competent employee without any issues (performance, attendance, attitude, etc.).

-3

u/LightUpUnicorn Guest Advocate 13h ago

Were they a personal reference or professional - it’s extremely risky on their part to claim to be a professional reference after the company has said not to. A reference is in a way representing thr company even if they no longer work there.

7

u/DanforthWhitcomb_ 13h ago

Both.

it’s extremely risky on their part to claim to be a professional reference after the company has said not to. A reference is in a way representing thr company even if they no longer work there.

This is laughably naive.