How can I move on with my career after working for bad people ?

Question

I was working for a company full of bad people to the extent that i had to quit. How can I find another job knowing that companies check references and run background checks.

Would my bad relationship with my supervisor and his ugly buddies going to stand in the way of my career ? Do companies check with previous employers without the consent of the candidate ? I know that it is illigal to do that but they might do it unofficially. Any ideas ?

Answer 1

Most employers do not check with the previous employer if you ask them not to, but that does send up a red flag that something is wrong there. I'd personally tell the potential employer honestly that you had lost faith in your management and questioned their ethics (phrase it as nicely as you can) which is why you moved on. Then allow them to check. That way, there are no surprises ahead plus if the previous employer tries to say negative things, your interviewer is already prepared for them to be unethical. You look like the good guy and the former job looks like the liars.

Answer 2

The best advice I can give is find other people in your background who can give you references, Professors, Coaches, Former bosses at jobs from college, academic advisors, friends, acquaintences. Then think about the resources you have as to where to look for another job, is there anyone you know who could recommend you for a job where they are working?
And when you do go for interviews and apply for other jobs explain the situation, and try to speak with an HR rep or manager, just letting the receptionist know isn't going to do it. If you're still having a hard time I would say get a job that is less than what you want for a brief time (3 months) where you can establish a good repoire with your boss and co-workers and then try again for the job you want.
I have been there, and it's a nightmare because you feel like no matter what you say who's going to believe you. But this happens alot more than you might think and you're not guilty by association, in fact it will be in your favor that you left for the reasons you did. I almost want to say that you should check out the labor board in your area and see if they have any suggestions as well. I wish you well in your search, and don't worry, nice guys don't finish last they finish best.

Answer 3

If you tell them not to contact a previous employer then they should not, and most won't, because it is illegal. Like someone else said it does send up red flags, is you are not currently employed by that company. Most hiring manager understand if you don't want your present employer contacted because it can cause problems in the job if end up not getting hired. But for a company you no longer work there is no chance of getting fired.

Also, you might want to contact a background screening company that does employment verification and ask them to run one on you. They can call the company and talk to a reference or do an employment verification on the company you are worried about, and see what they say about you.

If they are giving false info. you can contact your previous employer and tell them you know they are reporting false and possibly slanderous information about you, and it could effect your future income....I'm sure that would straighten them right out!

Answer 4

I don't know if they can --I would ask at a career center of some sort --places that help people with interview techniques, ect.

I don't know if there's much you can do for the next time to make sure you're working with better people --except what you can do on your end (work for a company that is on the warm side?). here's one I idea --go back in your mind to first contact with your old employer and kindof do a movie of your mind scene-by-scene of things up to where you are now. and stop each time there is a little flag of a hint of what's to come. . .

doing this might help you to see the hints the next time as you're job-hunting.

don't talk badly about past employers even if they do. I think that's a good strategy all around.

Answer 5

The best way to to just go on interviews and explain what happened in your past Job, so they understand your reasons for leaving.