Bad referances

[DCS01]

Trying to find work and have found out that my last employer (civil service, leaving was not amicable) have given out what is to me a very negative referance.I was on the understanding that employers did not give 'bad' referances to save themselves hassle. Please correct me if I am wrong and any advise on how to improve the situation would be greatfully recived.

[randlemarcus]

Is the wording of the reference factual?

If no, you may have an argument on your hands. If yes, suck it up, and don't repeat those errors.

[DCS01]

Had a phone call from prosective employer, who asked about for my coments on the referance, asked them to put their qestions in writing to me. I don't know the what the full referance said or what the potential employer asked of them.

[randlemarcus]

Hint: anyone can ask for a reference from your old employers. There is usually no need for you to sign a consent form. Get someone with a domain name and an address to do it, and then you have a copy to hand, and can base your comments on what has been said.

If it says "bad attitude, dresses like Worzel Gummidge", that's subjective, and open to interpretation. If it says " turned up late 112 days of the last 365, had three months off sick with stress and failed to complete a performance improvement plan", you're a bit stuck.

[DSM2]

They didn't criticise your spelling by any chance, did they?

[New POD]

Would you like me to apply for references, on my Headed Note Paper for you ?
You got any mates with there own business ? Get them to ask for a reference.

[mikecassie]

I'm sorry, but why does a reference HAVE to be good? Why should it save your ex employer hassle? If you have done something wrong and left under a cloud, what was it that caused you to leave?
We have assessments where I work and I have heard some Supv's say they will never give a bad assessment! Well that really lets people know where they are going wrong doesn't it? I'd much prefer an honest assessment and reference rather than some made up bks to pander to all these folks who can't face up to the truth that they are ste.
Also the ex employer could face litigation from a company should they be found out they have deliberately misled them into hiring a nugget.

[New POD]

mikecassie said:

I'm sorry, but why does a reference HAVE to be good.

vs



the ex employer could face litigation from a company should they be found out they have deliberately misled them into hiring a nugget.

1) It does not. Anything subjective, which cannot be proven, or even inferred, that might be construed as negative is grounds for ex employee to sue.
2) If there was deliberate misleading then yes, a future employee could sue.


For the OP : get a copy of the reference, somehow. Either get a mate to ask for one, or(and) ask the company that didn't give you a job to give you a copy, referring to DATA protection act.