What should I do when a job I use to work at gives me a bad reference?

Question

Well I use to work at a particular job,which I quit by walking out on them,now another company called for a job and I gave them the number to my old job to call for reference,but I'm scared there going to give a bad reference and I wont be able to get a new job what should I do

Answer 1

Where are you from?
In the UK it is illegal to give a bad reference. It's libellous. It is against the law to give a bad reference even if you set fire to the place and shot the boss.

If they have bad things to say, they just refuse to give any reference at all.

If you DO get a bad reference, you should confront your prev employer and tell them that you are going to sue unless they ring and withdraw the bad reference (but by then, the damage may already be done . . )

Good Luck with your new job and try not to worry too much - think of Karma - if you don't get the job, them maybe it wasn't meant to be . . . .

Answer 2

I believe that is against most company's policies. Corporations face too many law suites as a result of bad references.
If someone called me for a reference, I would only confirm employment.
There is one way around it if your clever, and that is to ask someone if they would hire the former employee again.

Answer 3

I dont know if it's just a local law where I am, but I know in my area it is illegal to give a bad reference. Former employers can only confirm work dates. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Employers do not give out bad references. They will only verify that you worked there. The reason: law suits. If someone says anything negative about you, you can sue him for slander.

Answer 5

Be honest with your new (hopefully) employer at time of filling out your application. Expain all, it shows you have nothing to hide.