References
I totally agree with Cirrus17, everybody needs to calm down in regards to references! It certainly helps to be prepared but I also believe in taking things one step at a time....worry about achieving the first goal at hand before the other problems down the track... Cirrus17 is 100% correct. Your recruiters will give you a wad of information with their specifications if you achieve a final interview. I had my Final interview on Sunday, the day after the Open day and there was no way I could get everything prepared to hand in that day. They understand this and you can courier things up to Dubai as soon as you can. If you are a good candidate they have nothing to lose by waiting for you.
Flyboynath, I'm also an Aussie and I didnt have a prob with written references. All the recruiters want is evidence backing up what you have written on your CV's etc. My previous employers (from years ago) simply wrote me a reference like this:
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter is to confirm that_______, date of birth ____________, was employed by ________ for the period of __________ to _________. He/She was employed as _______ for the company.
Should you require further info, etc, etc.
Yours sincerely, __________-
They just need to confirm your date of birth, time frame employed by company and your position title. So really, look at it more like a confirmation of employment letter than a reference if you need to explain it to them!
However, your current employers should provide a little more detail in the reference, also outlining your duties, how you perform, etc. If your managers have a problem giving out references, perhaps you could ask somebody else in the organisation for a reference?
Hope this helps and good luck with everything! I really do understand how exciting it all feels!!