How to Deal With a Bad Employment Reference
Tony Beshara, author of "The Job Search Solution," reports in his book that 20 percent to 25 percent of job seekers have at least one challenging reference issue and they have no idea it exists. While you can't do anything about bad references of which you know nothing, you can take action if you have a former employer who you know or suspect has provided a bad employment reference for you. Practice tact and patience in your dealings, and you may receive the results you want.
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Instructions
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Call your former supervisor and explain that you are interviewing for jobs. State that you're concerned that the reference he provides may jeopardize your chances of a job offer. Acknowledge your mistakes and state that you've learned from them. Ask if you can work out an agreement on the details he provides as a reference.
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Contact the human resources director at your former place of employment and explain that you are attempting to find work, but the reference from your former supervisor is interfering. If you feel the information your former supervisor has provided as a reference is not accurate, state your concerns. If no human resources department exists, contact the president of the company.
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Admit to your interviewers that your former supervisor may not provide a positive reference. Explain the reasons. Frame your comments in the most positive way possible. For example, mention something positive about your contribution to the position, admit your mistakes and explain how you have resolved the prior issues. For example, "I was always willing to stay late to finish my projects, but I frequently had challenges that prevented me from arriving at work on time." Explain the circumstances of your tardiness and assure the interviewer that you have resolved those issues. "My son attends school across town and I had to drive him there every morning. Since then, I've found alternate arrangements for his transportation."
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Offer plenty of positive references to influence the interviewer on your behalf. For instance, if the supervisor at your former workplace won't provide a positive reference, provide names of co-workers and clients who can vouch for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Write a letter to a former supervisor or the president of the company if neither will speak with you about the bad reference issue. State your concerns and ask for a neutral reference -- a confirmation of basic details such as employment dates and job title -- rather than a negative reference.
Provide copies of positive performance reviews to prove that you were able to fulfill many of the job duties and responsibilities.
Call your references when you apply for a job and submit their information. Explain the type of job so the reference can prepare herself to speak on your behalf.
If the employment reference information is factually flawed and you can't come to an agreement on a more positive or neutral reference, threaten legal action.
Keep your communication with interviewers and former supervisors as calm and unemotional as possible.
