What should you do if you have a bad reference from a previous employer?

Question

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?

I am sure the reference is bad... my aunt called and requested a reference, the sup upon mentioning my name... I can do so but it will be horrible.

Answer 1

You were there for 7 years. SEVEN. If you weren't a GOOD employee they would most likely have ditched you in 6 months, 2 years tops!!!!

That it ended badly, well *stuff* happens every one knows that and probably has been there themselves.

Asking for references is as much about you providing them, than anything else. If you feel you must give a reference that will sing your praises, try to find a previous manager, maybe someone also no longer with the company if that is possible.

Nowadays most references are garbage anyway.

References at the big companies I have worked for or dealt when hiring since the mid/late 90's come from outsourced corporate HR departments which usually only can verify your job title, employment dates, and salary history.

At many companies, personal references are strictly forbidden. Legal Reasons. Give a bad reference and the employee sues you. Give a good reference and when they don't work out, the next company sues you. Don't say anything other than meaningless and verifiable data or better yet nothing at all - nobody sues you.

When you do actually talk to a real person who managed a candidate it is so frustrating since the generalization and double speak is incredible. I'm sure they fear they'll get in trouble by putting anything on the record, or for violating corporate policy by actually talking to you in the first place. You take the personal references with a big grain of salt.

Relax!

Answer 2

Well I'd say just give it your best shot. If it were me, I'd apply for the Fortune 500 company because they don't only look at references. It's a big thing but they should understand if you resigned because of a dispute. That's definitely a lot better than asking to leave. I wouldn't try and counteract this or it'll put you in bigger trouble because you could leave out valuable information or be lying to them and that'd make matters worse. Good luck!

Answer 3

Most employers only provide salary and employment history information when a new employer contacts them about a former employee. They don't usually provide personal or derogatory information about previous employees due to the possibility of lawsuits arising from such information (it is, after all, subjective).

I would go ahead and give the employer the information. Most likely they simply want to verify your employment history.

One more thing - DON'T bring the subject up unless they ask you about it, and NEVER speak negatively about a former employer, even if it was the worst place ever. Stick to facts, and provide general answers as to why you left (you left to seek a better opportunity somewhere else, etc.). Don't lie, but don't get into anything negative about the employer. This will hurt your chances of getting the job.

Answer 4

Be honest. You might be shocked by your eference- it might be good, after all you did work there for 7 years! On your application, stated the reason you left previous employment- it will be asked again of you during the interview. That will give you more of a chance to explain the situation. But more than whatever your previous company says (and again it might not be bad), you did stay there for 7 years and that looks good to employers.

Answer 5

It's not uncommon to work for a company and have problems with a particular boss or management. So what do you do when it comes time for providing a reference?

Well my suggestion is to get something from one of your former co-workers, customers, or anyone else at the company who would be willing to speak about your performance and suitability for employment.

Often times, we might not get along with management, but we DO get along with our fellow employees. And since they would be in a position of vouching for your abilities, personality, and competence, prospective employers will take their recommendations seriously.

My point is to turn to someone else who would be willing to say "nice things about you." And if you can't find someone, then perhaps a nice note or thank you from a customer, boss, or anybody else will suffice. Or even a good eval. Anything that makes you look "good."

Answer 6

If possible give them two: The name of a friendly co-worker/ supervisor at your last employer and the name of someone at your previous employer. That way the Fortune 500 company will get a broader view of your background and skills. Good luck.

Answer 7

Nowadays, it's almost impossible for a former employer to give a bad reference. Too many got sued.

Usually, they will only reply with factual information. Yes, she worked here from this date to this date. And that's about it.

Don't be afraid to note on your resume, or cover letter, or at interview, what led you to resign from your last job. They can appreciate you being open, and won't typically hold it against you if your reasoning was sound.

Answer 8

You can't assume the it will be horrible. You should have your friend and/or family member call your former job. Have them act as if they are an employer and see what is said about you. Good luck.

Answer 9

i;m sure its against the law to give a bad reference they either have to give you a good reference or just not give u 1 at all

Answer 10

Get a reference from someone else?