Picture this scenario: you’ve been seeking new employment, but without success. Your employment credentials are excellent, and while you’ve been able to land the interviews – sometimes more than one with a prospective employer – that job for which you’re well qualified continues to elude you. Even more ominous, you may have been assured that the job is virtually yours and that completing the hiring process is a mere formality, and then… the trail goes cold, and the call-backs cease.
Sound familiar? If it does, reference checking company Allison & Taylor says you likely have a negative reference that is limiting your chances for employment. What can you do about it?
The first step is to confirm that you do indeed have a problem with at least one of your references. Do an honest self-assessment of your references that are most likely to be called by prospective employers. Did you depart on good terms with them? Is there anything unflattering that may have made its way into your personnel file, accessible by an HR representative?
You may already have a good idea of who may be making your employment search a miserable one, and while you might be able to keep some former associates off of a prospective employer’s radar, it is unlikely that a former supervisor or HR department will be overlooked. The HR department is a traditional venue for reference checks, and HR reps of your most recent employers are almost certain to get a call from potential employers. Your former supervisors will also be high on an employer’s call list, as they know you better than HR, and may also be willing to offer a more revealing profile about you.
If you sense there’s a potential problem, consider having a reference check conducted on select business associates from your past. But avoid the temptation to have a friend or associate call and pose as a prospective employer – this attempt could backfire, and any unfavorable input obtained in this manner would be inadmissible for legal purposes. Instead, have a reputable third party like Allison & Taylor conduct these reference interviews on your behalf to best ensure that any negative input obtained can be legally addressed and neutralized.
If negative input from a reference is uncovered, what steps can you take? Your options will depend on the nature of the negative input. Where your reference’s communication was inaccurate, malicious, or wrongful you may have the ability – through an attorney – to pursue legal recourse.
When a reference’s negative input is not unlawful but is nonetheless restricting your ability to secure future employment, it can sometimes be addressed through a Cease & Desist letter. These letters are issued by an attorney and sent to the senior management of the company, alerting them to the negative reference’s identity and actions. (Oftentimes, the very act of offering a negative reference is against corporate guidelines, as typical policy is that only a former employee’s title/dates of employment should be confirmed.) In the interest of self-protection, the company will usually caution the negative reference not to offer additional comments or negative commentary again.
When handled correctly, the prospects for neutralizing further negative input from a reference are excellent. If concern about your references is causing you some sleepless nights, it’s never too soon to document – and address – what your references are really saying about you.
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.
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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.