Is a negative reference preventing you from
finding a job? Relax! There are ways to deal with
a bad reference.
Keep in mind that all employers do not contact
your references, even if they request them. Others are
prohibited from providing anything but employment confirmation,
even if the person was a stellar employee. Of course it’s best
to try to alleviate a bad reference than to hope a prospective
employer doesn’t call.
WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA recommends these tips
to deal with a bad reference:
Have multiple
references. Proactively supply the prospective
employer a list of references who you know will give you a glowing
reference. Make sure to ask each contact if he or she is
willing to be your reference and provide a copy of your resume as a
reminder of your skills.
Focus on those who will give you a good
reference. An employer reference doesn’t need to come
from your supervisor. Consider using a senior peer, a client
or a former supervisor who no longer works for the company who will
be able to provide details on your work performance. If the
company is large enough to have a human resources manager, he or
she may also provide a reference or at least confirmation that you
worked for the company.
If possible, try to get a new job
before you quit your job. Potential employers
typically understand that you don’t want to provide your current
manager as a reference since he or she is not aware of your job
search.
Have your references on
paper. If you worked for a small company and the
manager who is giving you a poor reference is the only option,
consider asking him or her to respond in writing to some questions
about your work experience such as performance and
results. Ask the manager to sign and date the response and
provide the prospective employer a copy of the written
reference. If the employer calls the contact, it will be more
difficult for the reference to veer from the details
provided.
Try to improve your relationship with
the person who is giving you a poor reference. It’s
worth a try to call the manager or take him or her to lunch to
attempt to mend the relationship. Be professional and explain
how important a positive, or at least neutral, reference is to your
career.
Be honest. If a
prospective employer insists on calling a bad reference, explain
the situation in a positive way. It will be better for the
hiring manager to hear the explanation in your words. It’s
okay to describe what you learned from the
situation.
