What can I do about a possible bad reference?

[Pacific]

I am starting a new job on Monday so no real problem there but I was also hoping to get another part-time job to make ends meet.

Trouble is, today, when I left my old job, I fell out with my old boss. There has always been a clash of personalities and I have been very unhappy there and this is one of the many reasons I am leaving.

I have an interview for the PT job tomorrow and I know they will want references from the previous two employers. The one before will give me a glowing reference but what do I do about the most recent employer?

Do I give him as a referee and hope that he rises above it (unlikely on past form)?

Or do I admit that there may be a problem and offer another department head where I was seconded for a short time and got on great?

By the way, I am a very long time lurker but rarely post.

Please give me some advice

Hi Pacific

Firstly, your boss can't give you a 'bad' reference.
A reference has to be accurate. He could mention performance concerns he had with you, as long as you were fully aware of them and there is documentation that they had been raised. But he can't write bad things about you which are unsubstantiated, or write that he didn't like you much or anything.
Most employers when they are not happy to give a glowing reference would opt for safety and give a v non-committal one, giving dates/job title etc only, sometimes this is company policy, sometimes they'll say it is. (one of the reasons references are of limited use to new employers...)

However just because he is not allowed to do it doesn't mean he won't either. And also a new employer may 'see through' a non-committal' reference.
If there is another senior person you have worked with who could do it, that sounds fine, although if they know that person isn't your line manager, they may be suspicious.
A lot depends on what your issues with your manager are, iyswim.
Hopes that helps anyway

Also, if it is a reasonable size company you worked for, he is likely to take advice before sending off a reference I would have thought, from HR or whoever. Most managers are a bit paranoid about what they are and are not allowed to write in references.
Do you have someone in your old HR dept that you know who is aware of the situation and could advise you/make sure any reference for you comes through them for checking?

Good advice there.

I basically had not been there for very long, only about a year. My first six months were fine and I actually have a copy of my six month appraisal which is excellent.

I then was seconded to another dept where I loved it and realised that I really was not happy in my old dept. When I returned to my usual dept, I was really unhappy and I knew my performance was slipping.

It then became obvious that I had to look for another job because I knew within myself that I would never be able to turn things around.

So I have brought the bad reference situation on myself but in my defence, I recognised it and took steps to leave the company.

Your post is reassuring. I think I will keep quiet and only explain if concerns are raised. I will also keep my six month appraisal form as back up.

Thank you.

that's a good idea. As you say, you recognised the situation and addressed it which is good. Also, I would think your new company would raise concerns from a reference with you before taking any drastic action. Good luck with your new job!