How to Deal With Bad Job References

Few things hurt your chances of getting a job more than bad references. Future employers often rely on the opinion of previous employers to determine an applicant's true work ethic, beyond what is listed on a resume. When faced with bad job references, you have 2 choices: crawl into a hole of unemployment or find a way to deal with the problem head on.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Deal With Bad Job References

1. Analyze your work history to figure out who's giving you a bad job reference. Leaving a job on bad terms can narrow the field to a disgruntled boss, but consider references from other jobs as well. Try to remember if you had any tense interactions or disagreements that could lead someone to give you a negative reference.

2. Contact your references and explain that you're looking for a new job. Ask them whether they are willing to provide a positive or at least neutral reference. Most of the time people will be honest with you, but if you suspect the person you're speaking to is the source of your bad job reference you may need to deal with the issue directly.

3. Eliminate questionable references from the list you provide. Revamp your list and include only those who you know will provide a positive reference. On occasion you may have difficulty coming up with someone who can attest to the quality of your work. Try finding people who are willing to be character references and ask them to stress the characteristics that show you are hard-working and a team player.

4. Research the disclosure policies of your former employers. In view of today's litigious society, many employers are opting to be extremely cautious when providing references. Some places will only confirm dates of employment. Unfortunately, an offhand "no comment" about a job candidate can sometimes be as damaging as a negative reference. Let prospective employers know about any companies you've worked for that adhere to this policy.

5. Tell the truth. Let prospective employers know of any situations you know that might arise, but be sure not to badmouth your previous employer. There's nothing wrong with revealing that you left a previous job because of a difference of opinion, but speaking ill of your previous job will raise questions about what you will say about the next company you work for.

Tips & Warnings

• By law, a former employer cannot deliberately give false information as a way to keep you from getting a new job. If this is happening to you, you have the right to pursue legal action.