References for a new job- who to use? Small update and new question.

[MayDay]

I interviewed for a job 2 weeks ago and they just asked for references.  I have never had to provide references before, and due to a gap in work history anyone that I would want to use is from a long time ago.  Details below. 

First job supervisor(2006-2008)- supervisor for this would be great, but I've reached out to her on LinkedIn and via email 2-3 times in the last year with no response.  Not sure if that matters- maybe she is too busy to chit chat with me but would give a reference. 

First job coworker- still in touch, I am sure he would give reference.  He lives in Thailand now. 

2nd job- 2008-2010- had multiple supervisors (lots of turnover) and I honestly can't even remember their names.  No close coworkers. 

Then I took off from 2010 until 2015 with kids.

2015-2016- substitute taught (I'm an engineer so this is tangentially related but not in my career field).  I think the high school principle would give a reference, but I was just a sub so what can he really say?  Also, my current boss is on the school board, so although I *think* I could trust him to be confidential, there is always a risk word would get out in a small town.

Current job- 2016- current.  Not going to ask anyone at my current job.  No way. 

I am fine with asking the 2 people from 2006-2008 but that feels super out of date.  Thoughts?  WWYD?

[MayDay]

Also- although I am in touch with my old coworker via Linked In, I don't have his phone/email.  So it might take a day or two to hear back from him.  Is that terrible?

[Linea_Norway]

Usually they say, find a reference that worked at a level above you, one at a level under you and one at the same level. Or a customer or other professional partner.
It is naturally to ask a colleague at a previous old job. As long as they know you well professionally, it shouldn't matter that it is a bit outdated. They can still describe your working moral and personal aspects. You could also think about asking someone at your current job who quit earlier.
I think the school principle would be a natural choice to ask, but maybe you should remind this person of who you were at that job. Maybe point out some of your good qualities you had in this job to the principle, in case he/she had forgotten.

[MayDay]

There is no one who has quit my current job, but that is a good idea!

I was wondering about asking a current supplier who I have a relationship with. I didn't know if that was a thing or not.

[former player]

I think you can ask anyone who is 1) in a responsible position and 2) can talk about the qualities you have which are relevant to your new job.

I have happily provided a reference for a neighbour who was a fellow volunteer on a charity - I couldn't talk about her particular expertise for the job she was going for, but could say that I had seen her be someone with enthusiasm and ideas who contributed effectively in meetings and ran well-organised communications with members of the charity.  (It probably helped that I could also describe myself as a lawyer and an elected member of a parish council.)

[MayDay]

Thanks guys. 

I've sent out emails and linked in messages to several people.  It is a bit strange- I mostly maintain professional connections on Linked In, but I need to get actual current email addresses/phone numbers for this, which I don't have!  So hopefully they will get back to me quickly. 

[norabird]

I would ask the principal and the old coworker, since that's who you feel comfortable with. Wouldn't worry about the school board thing, hopefully you get the job and then current boss knows about it anyway. I used old coworkers on my last go-round--only now, from my past job, do I have a former supervisor I could use--and it was fine.

[MayDay]

Semi update:. I got a general email this morning from the hiring manager saying "sorry it's taking longer than we said (they said they'd contact me by this past Friday), we are working on it, oh by the way we called two references and haven't heard back."

I ended up giving the following references:

1.  Major professor for lab work (relevant experience to the job but it was 12+ years ago).  They didn't call her.  Not surprised but I was worried about response from #2 and #3 so I included her.

2.  Old supervisor who doesn't answer my emails. The called her and she didn't respond. Not surprised but I didn't want to not put the supervisor of my most relevant experience.

3. Old coworker who lives in Asia and gave his email address, and said he'd be happy to be a reference. They emailed him last week. Weird that he didn't respond since he said he would. I sent him a message but he won't see it until tonight, so it'll be another day before he potentially responds.

4. High school principal (my most recent supervisor). He said he'd be happy to be a reference but they didn't call him.

Would you email the manager back with some kind of explanation or suggestion to call #4 or that I think #3 will respond... eventually?

This is taking for freaking ever. Which I know is to be expected. But I'm going crazy waiting.

[Linea_Norway]

If an application takes time this is often not a good sign. It might mean the have a process going on with another candidate and want to keep you at hand as a second choice. Sorry, but I've been in that situation myself, that process took way too long.
Yes, you could ask your Asian coworker to be more attendant, or ask at a time this person would be most available and tell that time to the employer. And maybe try to call your old supervisor if she doesn't read mail.

[MayDay]

Update: got an offer!

[former player]

Yay!  Congratulations.

Is this an "accept it as it is" offer or an "I can negotiate this a bit" offer?

[MayDay]

Yay!  Congratulations.

Is this an "accept it as it is" offer or an "I can negotiate this a bit" offer?

I'll negotiate up on principle but it's pretty good!

[Linea_Norway]

Congrats!
Yes, do negotiate. This is your big chance to get a salary increase. When working in the same place for years, there is seldom a new opportunity for this. And in worse case you can always just sign the offer as it is.