Many unsuccessful job seekers come to the realization that a negative reference(s) from a past employer is the source of their problems.
Typically, a former employer is only supposed to offer limited information about previous employees, e.g. employment dates and title. While the track record of corporate Human Resources is generally (but not always) consistent with this policy, it is a different story when considering former supervisors.
While there are a number of reasons why your former supervisor might offer potentially damaging information about you, the bottom line is that you should never assume that your prior supervisor(s) is following company policy when they are contacted about offering you a reference.
To see unbelievable comments from former bosses, please click here.
What are some reasons your supervisory references may be unfavorable? They include:
- They may think the rules do not apply to them.
- They may simply not have liked you, or your performance.
- They may be unhappy that you left the organization (or are thinking about leaving the organization) and are either retaliating/discouraging someone else from hiring you.
- They may fall in the “bad boss” or “bully” category.
- They may have issues pertaining to yourage or gender.
- They may be having a “bad day” when contacted for a reference, offering more revealing commentary than they normally would.
- They may think you are not qualified for the position for which you are being considered. They may even be envious that you are being considered for such a position.
- They may simply be offering the truth as they see it, not being mindful – or aware – that they should not be offering that level of commentary about you.
Reference checking company Allison & Taylor (www.allisontaylor.com) estimates that approximately 50% of all reference checks they conduct reflect some degree of employer negativity. Given this substantial number of negative supervisory references, what is a job seeker to do?
A useful first step would be to utilize an organization like Allison & Taylor to conduct a reference check(s) on their behalf. If a former supervisor’s commentary is in any way unfavorable, the job seeker will have some form of recourse in discouraging them from offering such commentary again. (One such remedy is the Cease & Desist letter that has an extremely high rate of success.)
Bottom line, it is critical that the job seeker vet their references prior to seeking new employment. Sadly, too many candidates only become aware of a negative reference once a number of promising job opportunities have passed them by. With one of the peak hiring times upon us, consider making reference checking a priority in gaining that next new job.
For further details on services and procedures please visit www.AllisonTaylor.com.
Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?
Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Is your past boss badmouthing you?
50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
Interviewing well but not getting the job?
Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.
Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?
Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.
Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?
Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Are you being BLACKBALLED?
Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.