No reference! What to do?

Question

I have been offered a fantastic job... but my last employer has not responded as my reference. Admittedly, I did not ask my boss to be my reference, but the job application form specified I put my previous employer. I was a very good employee yet my old boss was always less than professional. I was on time every day but always had to wait fifteen to twenty minutes for her to arrive before I could get in for example, and I never felt much appreciated however hard I worked, slaving extra hours that I got no recognition for.

I have been told to get in touch with her myself. I managed to get her mobile number but it's always switched off. There's nothing I can do but go find her myself in a few days time when she's in but I'm annoyed that I have to bother going to so much trouble when it would only take five minutes of her time- and I'm worried she'll refuse to give me a reference.

I'm fuming mad and this will not help me in my begging for a reference. Any advice? What are my rights?

Answer 1

Keep a record of the times that you call her, send a formal letter by registered mail, keep a copy to show how you have tried to contact her. Do you have any other references that you could use....former co-workers to attest to your dependability and teamwork? Demonstrate how you are trying and what if anything, you have achieved by this. Perhaps your potential employer would be willing to hire you under these circumstances, as your previous employer is so uncooperative. Always ask for assistance, be sincere and upfront. Never say anything about being unappreciated, will make you sound like a chronic complainer. Best wishes

Answer 2

not sure if you are in the US but...
she doesn't have to give you a reference. there is no law that requires it. think about a situation where your boss may have left the company, how could you get the reference then?? you should have someone else offer it. maybe a co-worker, a employer before this one, or anyone else that can vouch for you in the professional sense.

when applying for the job and listing your previous employers you have the right to request that they not call. it may not look good but if your previous employer won't have good things to say about you, just check the "no" box where it says "May we contact this employer?"

and ALWAYS tell people before listing them as a reference.

Answer 3

This is a shame as any potential employer will see refusal to give a reference as a very bad sign.

Other than keep trying to get hold of your past employer I dont know what to suggest. Maybe your new employer would understand the situation and allow you to submit a different reference?

Answer 4

most decent companys will give a refrence.and i think by law they have to give a refrence?and i know for a fact that they can not give a bad refrence.its just the wording.