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Referencing Nightmare
"I have now been unemployed for 5 months, due to me getting dismissed from my last job. I am now stuck in a rut as I can't get a job reference from them.
Every job interview I go to I am being accepted for the job, but when it comes to the reference there is a problem. I have a reference from a previous employment from 1995 to 2000 and also 5 character references, including one from my solicitor and doctor. I would rather not say why I was dismissed, but if anybody can help me I would be very grateful."
Comments
Are you failing to secure new employment simply because you were unable to secure a reference of any kind from your last employer ? That's unusual to say the least.
If you were dismissed for Gross Misconduct, that's one thing; anything else is usually negotiable. For example, did you fall out with your previous boss to the point that a reference from him/her would only tell half the story. In which case, tell your prospective employer and offer them a couple of personal referees of gravitas and good standing as an alternative; or better still, get a reference from a customer or supplier of your previous employer with whom you DID have a good working relationship. It's your personal inegrity that's at stake here and how much you want to fight for it depends to a large degree on how much you value it.
Charlie - August 24, 2006 4:41 PM
You could always tell them that your last company were too lazy and their HR can't be asked to send out references. This is quite common practice with employers these days. Refer back to your previous employer who will provide you with the reference you require. If you get stuck when questioned tell the interviewer that there was a person you didn't get on with because you were ambitious and they resented it.
Always remain confident and stay clear of the references pitfall
Garry - August 24, 2006 7:46 PM
I'm having the refereincing pitfall, too. The company I was working for was bought out, and the HR manager is now refusing to give me a reference, claiming that as the company is in new hands, it is no longer legal for her to give a reference for an employee who was there under the old ownership. I'm not sure how to handle this..
John - September 7, 2006 5:58 PM
John - a company is a legal entity so regardless of whether it has new owners, the entity is still the same. Your ex-HR manager is talking rubbish and she probably knows it!
wayne - October 30, 2006 5:19 PM
anything more than period employed will leave ex company open to liable or defamation of character. Most refs are done by outsourced HR units who are only allowed to state your period of time employed. Chill
pk20 - November 2, 2006 3:05 PM