A mess of a job offer / reference debacle
Discussion
Hello all,
I want to set the scene a little regarding my other half going for a job recently, to ask any advice on the correct/wisest course of action. She recently applied for a job with a new
employer. All went well and heard through the grape vine that other people had been given letters of refusal. At this stage her current employers came forward and a promotion and shop managers deal for her. So, she arrives into work to an almightily sheet storm on Wednesday morning, regional manager going nuts with everyone threatening to sack everyone etc etc. Meeting called for Friday night after shop closing. In a heated debate with regional manager and shop/chain owner, just before this meeting, it transpires that a reference was phoned for on Tuesday past, causing the hole sheet storm and to quote "we gave you a bad reference" (she has obviously done this to protect her turn over and someone who brings in a lot of revenue to the shop in the self employed. Furthermore to this, the new employer stated that references would be only asked for once an offer of employment was made, and that the reference was the regional manager, not to the shop /chain owner. Sooo, there you have it. This has now left her in a position where she is almost forced to take the shop managers job, in a storm of bad feeling. My idea was to speak to the HR dept and ask for feedback on the interview, hoping you can get them to say there was a bad reference and hopefully give others.
Thanks in advance for any advice or light shed people!
Myles
edited to stop nurofen being needed...sorry!
I want to set the scene a little regarding my other half going for a job recently, to ask any advice on the correct/wisest course of action. She recently applied for a job with a new
employer. All went well and heard through the grape vine that other people had been given letters of refusal. At this stage her current employers came forward and a promotion and shop managers deal for her. So, she arrives into work to an almightily sheet storm on Wednesday morning, regional manager going nuts with everyone threatening to sack everyone etc etc. Meeting called for Friday night after shop closing. In a heated debate with regional manager and shop/chain owner, just before this meeting, it transpires that a reference was phoned for on Tuesday past, causing the hole sheet storm and to quote "we gave you a bad reference" (she has obviously done this to protect her turn over and someone who brings in a lot of revenue to the shop in the self employed. Furthermore to this, the new employer stated that references would be only asked for once an offer of employment was made, and that the reference was the regional manager, not to the shop /chain owner. Sooo, there you have it. This has now left her in a position where she is almost forced to take the shop managers job, in a storm of bad feeling. My idea was to speak to the HR dept and ask for feedback on the interview, hoping you can get them to say there was a bad reference and hopefully give others.
Thanks in advance for any advice or light shed people!
Myles
edited to stop nurofen being needed...sorry!
Edited by mylesmcd on Saturday 3rd September 11:24
I now have a headache. Bad form to ask for a reference so early in the proceedings. But I suppose they should take it to mean that the position is as good as hers... subject to satisfactory references however that brings us on to the next point.
I've heard that giving a bad reference, especially out of spite, can get employers in some bother, hence why most only give generic ones. What about her other reference, presuming that would be a good one it may help undermine the reference from the current employer.
The first thing I would do is speak to the new soon-to-be (hopefully) employers, explain to them what happened and how the current boss reacted and see if she is still accepted. Then she can stick two fingers up to the original employers and go on her merry way.
I've heard that giving a bad reference, especially out of spite, can get employers in some bother, hence why most only give generic ones. What about her other reference, presuming that would be a good one it may help undermine the reference from the current employer.
The first thing I would do is speak to the new soon-to-be (hopefully) employers, explain to them what happened and how the current boss reacted and see if she is still accepted. Then she can stick two fingers up to the original employers and go on her merry way.
Edited by monkey gland on Saturday 3rd September 12:08
+1 to contacting the potential new employer and advising that you have just been told they gave you a bad reference because they are trying to keep you there. I would offer as many other references as possible and quote my great figures for small or no number of absences, this offer of promotion etc.
Although you might want to try and go legal on their ass, I would also take care not to rant about your old employer in front of the new employer. I would just say that you are disappointed that they would do this kind of thing as it does not seem professional. If you rant on about the old employer being s*** then that would obviously not be positive!
Although you might want to try and go legal on their ass, I would also take care not to rant about your old employer in front of the new employer. I would just say that you are disappointed that they would do this kind of thing as it does not seem professional. If you rant on about the old employer being s*** then that would obviously not be positive!
Ok
1. Don't focus that they took the reference too early, could be a simple admin error, or they ne employer wanted an off the record chat and thought he could get away with it, but this has backfired, either way it is kind of irrelveant.
2. Need to speak to new employer, tell them that the current firm have been contacted for a reference and that consequently in order to be protected ask where the employment contract is, or if an offer is too be made.
3. Ask for written confirmation that a verbal reference was taken (from the new employer - with as much detail as possible - verbatim quoted ideally. Good to have this up your sleeve if all goes bad.
As you say a bit of a mess, just make sure you deal straight with everyone and it could be saved.
1. Don't focus that they took the reference too early, could be a simple admin error, or they ne employer wanted an off the record chat and thought he could get away with it, but this has backfired, either way it is kind of irrelveant.
2. Need to speak to new employer, tell them that the current firm have been contacted for a reference and that consequently in order to be protected ask where the employment contract is, or if an offer is too be made.
3. Ask for written confirmation that a verbal reference was taken (from the new employer - with as much detail as possible - verbatim quoted ideally. Good to have this up your sleeve if all goes bad.
As you say a bit of a mess, just make sure you deal straight with everyone and it could be saved.
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