Originally Posted by
krosen
I would be honest with the old job and say you are waiting to hear from a recent opportunity, and then I would throw in "oh and btw, i used you as a reference since it was before you asked me to come back". If she would rather this new job, then go that route, however she could also play russian roulette and say it anyways in the hopes that it ups the old jobs offer.
In the meantime while the manager is out, I hope your friend has another good reference at her old job she can use, and I'd ask the hiring manager to use that one instead. Unfortunately, your friend should have been honest with her old job in the first place and them know she was in the running for a position at another company.
FYI..the manager will not waste time writing up a reference letter while she thinks your friend may be coming back.