How to handle your last job giving you bad recommendation?

Answer 1

WOW! That's a good question!

Was the poor recommendation justified?

I think that my first consideration must be to thoroughly examine my performance, honestly and objectively.

What did I do or not do, that displeased my employer? Is it correctable (by me)?

Am I willing to make changes in my performance for the next time?

I received a poor performance review that I did not consider justified and I told my boss why I thought it was unfair. He chose not to agree with me and the review stuck. It's now part of my "permanent record". I can't change what he wrote; I CAN, however, take steps to insure that he does not have any justification for giving me the same review a second time. I CAN come into line with what he considers acceptable behavior.

I can fix myself and not lose any sleep over past performance.

I do trust in God to give me the will and the strength to overcome the objections of others, fair or unfair.

If you know that your past employer is giving you an unacceptable recommendation, be honest with your prospective employer and give him a BRIEF explanation IF asked about it.

Answer 2

There are several ways to look at this. First, many places will just tell verify that you worked there without giving you a good or bad report. Second, if they do happen to give a prospective employer a negative report on you, you still can overcome it, if you have strong references, and an otherwise solid job history. Third, if you interview well, an employer may like you well enough to hire you despite a bad job experience. Fourth, people are not always cut out for a certain job, or they may have philosophical differences with a co-worker or supervisor. A good employer will take everything into consideration when hiring someone.

Also, DO include your last job on your resume' even if it was a negative experience, or be prepared to answer questions about the gap in your job history. All applications will have you list each job you've worked, then explain any gaps, where you haven't worked. Be honest, it's the best way.

Answer 3

I've heard that it's illegal for a former employer to do so. The only things they should be allowed to say when potential employers call about you, include:

that they as your former employer can confirm that you did work for them

that you held whatever particular position

whether you worked full or part-time

the length of time you were employed by them...

...info like that.

If they're saying things like you had bad attendance or lateness record, always made mistakes, etc., they can't do that because they don't have the right to keep you from getting new employment.

You might be able to find something in employment law books, for more detailed things that a former employer can or can not say about you.

Answer 4

By law, the only thing a former employer can say about you is how long you worked there and whether or not they would rehire you. To see if they are saying anything bad, have a friend call them and act like he is trying to hire you. Whatever they tell him is what they are telling everybody. If it is bad, get it on tape. Then contact Labor Relations Board

Answer 5

Don't use it as a reference. If you must use it because you have no others....try to supply the name and number of someone that you worked closely with that you trust.

Or...you can be honest in your interview and tell them what you think your last employer will say - then explain your side of the story.

Answer 6

What did they say? I did the best job I could.

Answer 7

Sue them. They're not supposed to say anything except that you worked for them.

Answer 8

sue them for slander