I am applying to a police agency in Canada for a role as an officer.
The application requires me to have 10 personal references and 5 professional references. The application asks for “full address”, for both.
I am ok with getting the addresses for the 10 personal references as that’s people who I know, so they are comfortable giving it to me. But for the professional references I don’t feel comfortable asking my professors and supervisors for their address. That seems like a bit much.
I have emailed the agency asking if I can just put down their work address instead but have gotten no response and the application is due in 5 days. Do you think it’s ok to put their work address instead?
Thank you
Comments
Just talk to the reference and explain why you need their address. If they say no, use the work location.
Yes, put the work address for professional references, and home address for personal references.
Same with email addresses.
Presumably you know your references…
This isn’t a tough thing dude.
“Hey ___, I’m going to list you as a reference on my LE application. They require XYZ, would that be an issue?”
If it is, find another reference.
Get used to talking to people and asking them things.
If you can’t put in the effort to fill out the required info, they will move onto someone who will. Usually a properly completed PHS is one of the first weeding out steps.
I used work addresses for multiple agencies’ history packages and it’s never been a problem.
Professional references are there to speak to your professional demeanor and work ethic. I can speak highly about a number of former coworkers on a professional level even though I don’t know anything about them outside of work.
You shouldn’t be expected to know personal addresses for people you work with and I think it’s a little unprofessional to be asking for personal addresses for people with whom you haven’t already traded that information.
Just my two cents. Others may see it differently but historically I’ve kept a very well drawn line between my personal and professional life. If you’re stressed about it I’m sure none of them would mind if you explain the circumstances.