Previously, I worked for a company for over 7 years and resigned because of a dispute with management. I am now applying to a fortune 500 company that is, of course, requesting for a reference, which I am sure will be horrible. Does anyone have any advise on what I can do to counteract this?
2007-01-12 08:31:15 · 7 answers · asked by Bigdiva77 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Sounds impressive already.
I've requested references before, they're usually so run of the mill that you can't tell anything. Part of the reason for calling is to see that you're telling the truth about working there.
As long as you showed up on time, didn't steal anything, and aren't a danger to those around you there's not much negative they're going to say. And if the rest of your application is good, the employer might want to hear your side of the story as well.
Just concentrate on filling in the forms correctly and doing well in the interview.
What I'd be more worried about is when they ask you why you left that job in the interview. Being negative about a former employer can hurt your chances. But if you left a company after seven years, you had to have a good reason.
That's when you have to start talking like an art critic, or maybe a spin doctor.
2007-01-12 09:00:00 · answer #1 · answered by dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your interview, disclose that you left your company because of an internal dispute but don't obsessively rant against your own company. By presenting the information first, you can put it in the best possible light. Then if the employer bad mouths you, its already been diffused.
However, don't be so sure the employer will say anything. Its not legally wise for them to do so and rather than badmouth you, most companies will stick to just acknowledging that you worked there for 7 years from xx to xx.
Because you had such a long history with them, how bad of an employee could you have been? They kept you around for 7 years. So you should point out this long history with your company and just say, "Since I was put in the new department, it didn't work out, but before that it was great and I loved working at the company" or something like that.
2007-01-12 08:41:36 · answer #2 · answered by thehiddenangle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe...You have to list the previous employer just to avoid having to answer/account for the 7-year "gap" in employment. You list the usual growth of responsibilitis, growth within the company, project handled, etc. You get to list the "contacts" at that company (surely you didn't piss-off everybody...) and their telephone number...or not. You can state/note on the resume/application that you left due to conflict with management "direction", "company's change in market strategy", "management conflict with personal values"...or some other non-specific reason and don't provide the contact numbers. Or. Request that the company not be contacted. Most new employers may be curious, but probably won't try to circumvent your wishes...at least until the interview, where it might be broached.
2007-01-12 08:43:44 · answer #3 · answered by pardnah2u 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call you old employer or have a friend call them pretending to be a prospective employer. Make up a company name, etc. If they give you a bad reference then call them and tell them you know of this bad reference and will sue if they do it again. It's illegal to give negative feedback, just dates and times of employment and whether or not you are eligible for re-hire. If you catch them in the act and threaten to sue they will be much more careful and kind when your real prospective employers call for a reference.
2007-01-12 08:40:50 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to give them HR or your direct management's name. Do you have any managers or colleagues you worked for/with somewhere within that 7 years who can give you a good reference? Even somebody who may not still work there but that you are in touch with and knows your skills and experience. A manager you worked on a successful project with or for, but who wasn't your direct boss, would also be good.
When you find someone, use their direct or cell number and personal eMail address. Prepare them that they may be contacted to speak about you and tell them the position you are going for. Ask them to be honest and positive but not effusive.
Take care and best of luck!
2007-01-12 08:49:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many employers do not supply outright undesirable references. they basically write it in this variety of fashion that the recent agency can study between the strains. you could request a replica of the reference and as long as they could supply information to diminish back up what they have written about you, there is not something you would possibly want to do about it.
2016-12-02 04:26:18 · answer #6 · answered by santella 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just explain to your new job what happened in detail. be honest. everyone isn't gonna have a good job history i know i haven't
2007-01-12 08:40:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋