I am seeking employment and have a fabulous reference from my employer from 1 year ago (laid off). I was with another company for most of last year and quit due to scheduling conflicts and carpal tunnel syndrome. I loved my job and did it well. A prospective employer recently called to say I got a glowing reference from 1st employer, but my most recent said they needed me to sign a waiver before they'd give a reference. I was a shoo in for the job, but didn't get it after the second reference. This has happened several times since. What can I do about a (suspected) bad reference - especially one that I believe is unqualified?
2007-03-06 18:38:54 · 6 answers · asked by girlsincamelot 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Just to add, yes I did sign the waiver - that was the issue, I gave my permission to talk and obviously it didn't turn out well. With giving my permission I believe they are indemnified from being gone after if they give a bad reference (I gave them permission to speak).
Perhaps I should delete that I ever worked there (It was less than a year). I could lie and say I was a stay at home mom the last year?? I'd probably mess up along the way though, I'm not much of a liar.
2007-03-06 19:31:43 · update #1
I would consider calling your former employer directly.
If you performed your job well, had a good attitude, and got along with co-workers, and you left on good terms, there's no reason why you can't call your supervisor directly.
Let this individual know you are job searching, and you'd like to use him/her for a reference:
"John, I believe that during the time I worked for you, I was punctual, completed my tasks well and in a timely manner, and was a good team player. I'm currently looking for another position. I'd like to ask if you'd be willing to be a reference for me if you feel you can provide a positive review."
On the other hand, if you did not get along well with your supervisor, or did not leave on good terms, this tactic may not work. I would hate to see you remove a work experience from your resume if it's not necessary, or worse, lie that you did not have it at all.
Instead, you might consider asking a former coworker, preferably one senior to your past position, who did work with you and can provide a positive reference for you. Then use this person as your reference instead. To a potential employer, you might say that this person can provide a more objective opinion about your work efforts since you worked together on a daily basis.
Otherwise, you might simply request that this company not be contacted for a reference. If asked, you can state that while you did your best in terms of working and being a team player, and that you did your best to leave on good terms, that personality conflicts would make it difficult to get a fair and objective review.
Best of Luck!
Michelle Gellas
Former university career counselor, 9 years.
2007-03-06 19:59:37 · answer #1 · answered by Red Poppy Resumes 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure in NY they're not allowed to give positive/negative references. THey're only allowed to state that you worked there and for how long, hours, pay, that kind of thing. Cant say anything about your character or what kind of worker you are, since there are jobs that will hold it against you because your quitting. Also, there are personality conflicts that can be exxagerated if there was a boss that didnt like you to start with.. So to keep it fair, I'm almost positive thats the law. You also have the option of listing them seperate on yur resume/application as an actual refernce,if you know there is a boss that will give you a good review. But unless you list it seperate, i dont believe they're allowed to give a negative referece.
Also the waiver sounds like a good idea. They're doing that to protect your privacy so you're aware that prospective jobs are asking for the information, and also idk what state in your in, if its legal or not, but if they're planning on giving a negative referece, or even a positive one, they want you to sign the waiver so if theres a disagreement later on about the reference and if it was justified or not, then they could say well you signed it saying whatever we say to them.... Anyways, I would just sign it and go on. Good luck w/ that job.
Also, sorry half asleep here and probably rambling to the point where it makes no sense, but whatever. But you said you did your job well.. If thats true, and only you can answer that one, then you should have nothing to worry about then.
2007-03-06 19:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by Emily 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
agency #a million had each and every outstanding to fireside you outstanding away. you don't get to ensure what previous employers are and are not important. they could desire to be responsive to for distinct reasons the place you worked, somewhat like in this occasion the place it somewhat is a agency with whom they have a settlement. As for agency #2 determine you touch an lawyer. it somewhat is way out of line, yet it did not have something to do consisting of your not getting a job at #a million. you would be able to desire to ensure it does not ensue back however so which you do not have problems with different positions. An lawyer could desire to draft an effective, threatening letter for a small consultation value, in all probability.
2016-10-17 11:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by croes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not just sign the waiver?
I think your most recent employer was very considerate in asking you first if they've got permission to make your 201 file available to others.
2007-03-06 18:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by justine d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact the previous employer and find out if there is anything you can do to ensure the reference given is good.
2007-03-06 19:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by Ozzie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in the u.k it illeagle to give a bad refferance, its either a good one or nothing.
2007-03-06 18:42:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋