I had an interview about a week ago and during the interview the manager asked me "why do you not have a reference for your last job?". I was really caught off guard because I never had anyone ask me that question in an interview so I just had to be honest, I told her that I left on a bad note because the manager and I did not get along. It was obviously not a good thing to say but I was so caught off guard by it and it was the first thing that came to my mind. She then asked me who was my manager at that job(my old job is in the same mall as the one I was being interviewed for) but I just looked at her like, why are you asking me this? and she said never mind. I was just wondering if she's even allowed to ask me why I do not have a reference for my last job and if she's allowed to ask who my manager was at my last job?

The answer is yes.

She is going to want to know your work history,and if you were a good employee,good time keeper etc..

I'm surprised that you were surprised!

Although perhaps where you live its not standard,in ireland you need to provide two referances,and they will be checked into too..

They sound like legitimate questions to me. I know it's after the fact now, but in the future when something like that happens and you're caught off guard, the best thing to do is to go along with it by saying something like "I wasn't aware one was necessary. But I'll be happy to get one if needed."

I was surprised because I had already given her two references and then she asks me "why don't you have one for your last job?", I've never had anyone ask me that during an interview before so I was like.. what the?? Lol. It really bothered me when she asked who my manager was because that's really none of her business. Needless to say I didn't get the job and I was upset that she asked me these questions but I guess if she's allowed to then o well, thanks for your responses.