Reference Tips

Once selected to join the BAHS roster, you will be subject to a reference check. Having your references prepared in advance will make this process smoother and faster.

You can find a reference letter request template here.

Provide Recent References

Make sure to have your reference letters uploaded to your profile in our system. This helps streamline the process and ensures we have the necessary documentation when it’s time to check your references.

Upload Your Reference Letters

Applicants who cannot provide reference contact information for past employers will be immediately removed from the BAHS roster. It’s crucial to have valid and up-to-date reference details ready to avoid delays in your application.

Reference Letter vs Verbal Reference

Typically, the employer will decide how they’d prefer to give a reference. Often, an employer will provide a detailed letter – this will save them time later as they won’t have to repeat themselves over multiple reference calls. Reference letters should ideally include dates of employment, responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses, and the reason the position ended. Even if you have a reference letter, you must still provide the employer’s contact information (phone and email preferably). The agency will have to verify the letter and future employers may want to speak directly with the letter writer. Be sure to always respect the employer’s wishes and pass along any specific instructions to the agency – for example, if the employer prefers to be contacted via email, cell, or office phone, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

If you’re providing contact information for a reference you worked for in the past, we suggest reaching out to them first to confirm your contact information is up to date and give them notice that they should expect to be contacted. Don’t forget to thank references for taking the time to speak on your behalf!

References provided to the agency should all be professional references, not personal contacts, family members, or friends.

False references are a crime

Remember, listing fake references on your resume or providing false contact info is a crime. This could have serious consequences, including fees and legal repercussions. And, of course, if you provide false information to the agency, we will no longer be able to work with you or help with your job search.

References FAQ

What happens if I provide a reference but I’m still working there and don’t want them to know I’m job hunting?

We will not contact your reference without your explicit approval. If you’re concerned about confidentiality, please let us know during the initial interview with the TA team, and we can proceed with reference checks only when you’re comfortable. Your privacy and discretion are important to us throughout the process.

Why do you ask for references?

References are critical to the job seeking process. It’s a great way to let your work speak for itself – your past employers can share your skills, passions, and triumphs for you. We pride ourselves are matching top quality candidates with great jobs; references are one tool we use to get a sense of candidates’ various skillsets and experience. The agency will ask for references and contact information for every job you’ve had over at least the last ten years.

Will the agency contact my references multiple times?

No, in most cases the agency will reach out to each reference once. We keep this information on file so all recruiters can access it. However, potential employers may wish to speak with references directly when you’re being seriously considered for a position.

What if an employer is unable to provide a reference directly?

Sometimes high-profile or confidential employers do not wish to be contacted after an employee leaves. In this case, they might write a letter – this letter will still need to have contact information for the principal or a verified staff member, such as a personal assistant.

Sometimes, it may be appropriate for another member of staff to provide a reference – for example, a house or estate manager may provide a reference for a nanny or housekeeper. In situations where the employer is notable to give a reference directly, a high-ranking employee who worked closely with you may be suitable. Remember, a supervisor is usually a better choice than a coworker, if possible.

How do I ask a past employer for a reference?

If you are missing a reference from a past employer, it is best to reach out to them (or a member of their team) and politely ask. Asking for references is a common practice and most past employers will not be surprised by this request; however, it also requires time and energy, so be clear and accommodating in your request and don’t forget to thank those that provide references for you. If it’s been a long amount of time since the position ended or the position was short, you might include a brief description of your time together, including dates and position.

Always remember to thank those who provide a reference for you. Once you start a new job, it’s often good practice to follow up sharing the good news and thanking them again for their help.

What if I can’t get a reference?

Ending a domestic staffing role can be difficult, especially if the position was long-term and the family has come to rely on your work. However, if you communicate, provide plenty of notice and behave professionally until the end, most families will still provide a reference for a good employee, even if they wish the employment had lasted longer. We recommend doing whatever you reasonably can to make the transition smooth, including offering to train the next employee, leaving a comprehensive handbook if applicable etc.

In the event that an employer refuses to give a reference, it is best to communicate this with the agency upfront. If something happened during your employment or upon termination, be open and honest about the circumstances. We can guide you through the best course of action.

Reference Tips

Reference Tips

Provide Recent References

Upload Your Reference Letters

Reference Letter vs Verbal Reference

False references are a crime

References FAQ

What happens if I provide a reference but I’m still working there and don’t want them to know I’m job hunting?

Why do you ask for references?

Will the agency contact my references multiple times?

What if an employer is unable to provide a reference directly?

How do I ask a past employer for a reference?

What if I can’t get a reference?

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