[Academic]

I know this is probably the wrong forum for this, but I'm posting here for traffic as I want to send this application in the next couple of hours.

I'm about to apply for my dream job. They asked for a selection criteria response and CV, nothing else. I have those all ready to go, but I've also just received a pretty amazing written reference from someone that I think could really help me - they are quite high profile in the field. Is it okay to send this with my application as well, or is it too irritating to the employer to have even more information to wade through?

[PatG]

How long is the reference? If it is fairly short (half a page?) then perhaps include it. Do they ask for referees? If so list them at the end of the CV and add a note "see attached written reference".

[Fanny McPhail]

I personally would send it. I don't think sending it would negatively impact your application.

If they have to conform to strict rules, about what they do or don't accept, they can always disregard it at this stage of the process.

[Academic]

It's actually quite long, just over one page. I have referees on my CV but this person isn't one of them, as I only have my past/current direct managers on there, as that is normally what is requested. Basically the referee the subject of a major program I managed (difficult to explain without getting specific, but I try to be vague and unidentifiable on the internet where possible!)

[PatG]

I would think that your referees should be those who can best attest to your competency for the job you are applying for. In addition your current manager as not including them can look a bit funny (as if you have something to hide). Can you talk to this person and ask if you can include them as a referee? If it comes to an interview and beyond they are likely to want to actually talk to them as the letter could theoretically be forged.

[emlis22]

I wouldn't send it. They might think you can't even follow instructions. So not a good start.

[Steggles]

I'd send it. More chance of it doing good than harm. If you don't and don't get an interview you would always wonder what if you had!

[Academic]

Thanks everyone! I'm still going back and forth in my head. I am concerned it will be viewed as being unable to follow instructions, although as the CEO of the organisation knows me / has worked with me before (not as my manager, as a partner to the organisation I currently work for), I imagine I may get a little more benefit of the doubt than someone going in completely blind. Similarly, the organisation has also worked with the referee in question, so it would be very easy for them to verify it.

I could include her as a referee on the CV, but it would be difficult for a potential employer to contact her as she lives overseas. Therefore her reference would be a written one anyway.

[seayork2002]

I would send it and if it was me receiving it I would be happy or not bothered, if you were sending 100's of pages that would be annoying but not just one reference.

[tle]

Send it. References are viewed as part of your CV so you don't need to worry about being seen as "not able to follow instructions".