How can you turn bad references into good ones?

Answer 1

Applications generally have a place for you to list former employers and they want to know the name and phone number of your supervisor. In most companies, supervisors are not allowed to give references on employees unless they are very positive. The caller is generally refered to the HR department where dates of employment, job titles, and wages will be verified.

Most companies hesitate to give more information than that because of the posibility of litigation even for a good review. This will eventually change as most states have passed laws to protect employers who give poor references when they have documentation of the wrongdoing.

References are listed separately on the application. These are people who know you and will say something positive about you. There are two kinds of references: professional - former supervisors, co-workers, teachers, etc. and personal - people who have known you for a long time. Never use anyone as a reference unless you have discussed it with them and they agree to be a reference.

Answer 2

Don't see how you can. The best you can do is turn it into a 'neutral' reference by using the head of Human Resources as your reference - they are bound not to answer questions except as directly relating to specifics about your employment - start date, end date, etc.

If you believe someone is going to give you a bad reference, just don't use that person as a reference, find someone.

Answer 3

Best way is not to list it on your application. There's no way to turn a bad manager's reference around. If you list it and they call them, then you risk losing the job. If you don't list it and make up an excuse for the time spent, then you're more likely to get the job.

Answer 4

you're screwed. find some good ones, or change your personality and work ethic.