Requesting reference

[jumpingjack22]

I left my previous job whilst under 'investigation.' Long story and I was treated terribly.
Can I approach my previous employer for a reference? A basic one stating only dates of employment? Or if you leave 'under a dark cloud' is it best not to approach?

I was wonderful at my job and I hate the idea of that not being recognised at all, despite the crap that happened!

Most employers only do standard confirmation of dates worked nowadays.

People keep saying that but it isn't based on facts. Some employers only give basic references, others do not, and some are required by law to provide detailed references. There is no quantifiable data to say what "most employers" do. Your employer might only give basic references. I don't know a single employer in my field or associated with it that does.

OP, you cannot "require" your previous employer to either give you a reference or to give you only a basic one. What kind of reference they give you, if they give you one at all, is up to them. That said, even if an employer only gives a basic reference there can be "trick questions" - a common one is "would you employ this person again?", to which they can answer "no". Another one is "reason for leaving" to which the answer may be "resigned whilst under investigation" - and most employers interpret that answer in only one way.

However, how are you going to avoid putting them down as a reference anyway? Most potential employers want references from the previous employer. And if you leave the job off or lie, and that is found out, the employer can dismiss you.

If you want to avoid that then there are two commonly used options:

1. Tell the truth and head it off at the pass - use your last employer as a reference but before they take up references (i.e. if offered the role) you tell them a potted version - you were accused of xxx, you didn't do it, they handled it badly and so you were stressed and resigned, but in hindsight realise that you should have stayed and cleared your name. Risky, but many decent employers would respect the truth (after all, you can be dismissed for two years with almost total impunity if you end up as the employee from hell).
2. Get some agency work - agencies are often not as particular, an after 6 months or so you can honestly use them as your "last employer reference"

The one thing I would reiterate - don't lie and don't fudge the truth. Better to give no answer at all than be caught out misleading or lying.

Thank you! Helpful

What industry are you in ?

I ask as in my industry, (technology/software), the norm is a basic reference, anything more and they'll refuse to complete specifics around why they left etc in fear of law suits

I'd check the employee handbook from your last company, they would have mentioned their stance on references there.

Lastly, did you have to sign a non disclosure agreement/ settlement agreement when you left ?