What to do if your previous employer is a vindictive, unprofessional arse, and you need a reference?

[S1ur]

Actually I suppose I'm really asking do you have to put your previous employer down.

Does it look really suspect if you don't?

What reasons could you give for not putting said horror down?

Am asking for my bruv actually. He was recently leg go after probation period was up despite doing an excellent job, his boss took against him when she found out he was looking for a new job and then behaved like a cow. An unprofessional cow.

He doesn't want to put her down but doesn't know what he can do.

Should add he could give plenty of alternative referrees from, for example, his extensive volutary work, uni tutors, and various boards he sits on.

[S1ur]

Please excuse bad spelling referees.

Hmm also he doesn't sit on ironing boards as a rule, nor cheese boards to my knowledge.

but he does sit on trust boards and PPP-type boards.

[MioMao]

You are usually required to put your last employer. Maybe put the name of the HR Manager instead of his boss? That's what I did for my last job as my direct line manager had moved on, and it was fine. An HR person is more likely to give a fair reference. He could also list three references instead of the usual two, or mention that additional references can be provided if required?

hth

[S1ur]

mmm I'll suggest it. but I don't think there was a hr manager as such, seemed like a small charity operation and this woman was at the top.

Thanks for replying

[Freckle]

An employer can't give a bad reference just because they feel like it or are a difficult cow. There is such a think as libel.

He could put down his last employer but ask that they don't approach them for a reference as the fact that he was looking for another job created bad feeling. Most employers should understand that, especially if he has plenty of other referees.

[S1ur]

Thanks, yes although an employer can't lie. They can say things in a way that it sounds bad by omission or evasion.

like "I couldn't comment on that" in response to phone ref questions or in a written ref, yes he was very punctual, (but then omit that he secured 1/2 million £s funds for charity).

Tricky isn't it?

[twentypence]

If he was let go after a probabation period then presumably wasn't in the job long. What about the job before?

[S1ur]

Good thinking, I'll suggest it.

I think though, it would be a kind of temping type position before this one since he has only just finished uni and this was his first 'proper' job.

It was a six month probation.

[flowerybeanbag]

Next employer will want to know why if most recent boss isn't given as a reference and will also want to know why he was let go after 6 months.

If he was looking for another job, presumably there was a reason he was trying to leave? Is that reason something he could explain to a potential employer and then be perfectly honest about the fact that his boss let him go when she found out he was looking? If the reason he was looking to leave is ok, then being let go because of looking isn't so bad if that makes sense.

[S1ur]

He was looking (I think) because it was a commute away and required him to be on call a bit and he has a very very new baby.

And yes, she basically sacked him the morning he got back from paternity/holiday.

Nice touch that.

So he is at home with new lovely little one and looking for a job asap!

[flowerybeanbag]

Well that's a reasonable reason to be looking for another job. I think his best bet is probably to be really good in an interview situation, come across as honest and reliable, and come clean about the previous job. He should say he decided early on it wasn't right for him, so decided to do something about it, unfortunately his boss found out, wasn't impressed and let him go. He is happy to give her details for a reference, but as she let him go and as he was there such a short time, he is not sure how useful a reference it will be, he is happy to offer x,y,z people as additional references should they be required.

[S1ur]

Cheers flowerybeanbag. Luckily he's ace in interviews apparantly and has an exceptional and (bizarrely imo) cv.

So hopefully someone will see past the reference.

You still think its worth putting her down then, not leave her out and explain why or say something like 'there's no one there anymore who can give a complete, detailed and objective reference so I have given x, y, z instead'?

He's pretty sure he missed on one job already because of reference. sigh. crappy start to career and at the beginning of fatherhood too eh?

[S1ur]

Sorry. meant his cv is exceptional and full of voluntary work etc. which I find bizarre because he's just finished uni and didn't spend his time drinking and sleeping in

Still bet he'll regret not taking advantage of sleeping in now he has a LO

[flowerybeanbag]

I would say on cv or whatever 'references available on request', then at the interview explain the situation and ask would they like her details and give list of other people to speak to as well/instead.

[S1ur]

Thanks flowery. You have been very helpful

[chocolatekimmy]

Once he has the job offer, ring the new boss or HR and explain that he is a bit worried that the reference may be tainted due to the fact the last company took it badly when he was looking for another job.

Honestly will help upfront - better than a bad reference turning up unexpectadly.

He can request a copy if he thinks it is a bad one. There is guideance and legislation around this which means you shouldn't lie etc when providing one

Hopefully he will have another glowing reference and they will weigh up all the facts

[flowerybeanbag]

hi chockimmy how's you? Haven't seen you about for a while!