I graduated from college last May (May 2021). Since graduating I have been substitute teaching in multiple districts/schools (I’m literally at a different school on a daily basis) so I haven’t developed additional references. I have three letters of recommendation that were all written in either late 2020 or early 2021, with supervisors/coworkers I worked with up until August of 2021 (so six months ago) and March of 2020. (If it makes a difference, I worked with one supervisor for 4 years and I worked with the other two for over 2 years).
I applied for a job that I had to jump a bunch of hoops for. They wanted me to purchase a Drivers Abstract ($10 at the BMV) plus give them original transcripts (also $10) all BEFORE having a potential interview. The email said I could “email or mail” these items to them but after I emailed them I was told they needed me to either drop them off at their office or mail to them. I ended up rushing after work to drop them off before their office closed, where I was met with an extremely rude secretary.
After my documents were reviewed, I was told that my references were old and I need to send in newer ones. At this point I don’t really want to work for them anyway, but I didn’t realize my references were too old. I thought you could have references/letters of recommendation from any time. I told her I do not have additional references, explained how I’ve been substitute teaching because I was considering going into education, and I said I understand if this disqualifies me for the position. She told me I need to get more creative about who I can use as a reference and asked if I volunteer anywhere (I don’t). Do you think my references are too old?