BAD REFERENCES, OH MY
Sometimes, a job is just not a good fit. Or circumstances conspire to limit your ability to perform. And every once in a while, you just don’t get along with your boss. Enter bad references.
Is this the end of your career? It doesn’t have to be. My advice is to hire a respected job search coach; clearing your name can be a long term project. Since that probably isn’t your first choice, here are a few suggestions to mitigate the damage bad references can cause.
If possible, talk to the reference to invite them to balance the reference with a few positive remarks.
Even if they agree, find several references you can add to the list who cancel out the bad report.
Prep them about the sensitive areas.
When you talk to those who will check references, give them a heads up: “Ralph and I butted heads on more than one occasion. We didn’t agree on process and I was foolish to challenge him one too many times. I learned since then how to present my ideas in a more non-confrontational manner and to move on when things don’t go my way.”
Always acknowledge the bad reference and the role you played. The important message is what you learned from the situation so it won’t happen again.
Initiate a conversation about the references so the hiring company is not blind sighted. If they are warned about specifics, they sometimes take the complaints less seriously. Especially if you appear to have learned from the situation.
Don’t be overly contrite. Your self confidence and track record, sans bad references, need to be strong and clear. Explain how the circumstances will not occur again and why and you still have a shot at a decent job. Years from now, when you leave this employer with a spotless record, the bad references will vaporize.
For more support with bad references, consider Selective Coaching.
Themocracy
I too have faced this problem, but I solved it within 60 days. I called Documented
Reference Check (badreferences.com). They use Certified Court Reporters to document what your past employer tells potential employers. My supervisor was defaming me.
The London office helped me to get representation and a quick settlement. In this market, you can’t go on interviews with bad references hanging over your head.