How To Stop A Bully or Former Boss from Giving A Bad Reference

Leaving one job and moving to another can be a challenge, but sometimes opportunity presents itself and you find the job that’s a fit.

Imagine the frustration, then, of having successfully navigated the demanding pre-screening process; having nailed your interviews; perhaps having even being assured that an offer was imminent...but then to never hear from that prospective employer again. Clearly, something went awry, but you may be wondering what cost you that job?

At this point, consider that one of the final phases of the hiring process – namely, the employer check of your references – may have been your undoing. "A majority of the references we check are for job candidates who suspect negative feedback from former employers", says Jeff Shane, president of Allison & Taylor Reference Checking, a Detroit firm that offers professional reference checking services.

Despite the fact that many companies prohibit managers from providing references, "We find that the people most likely to provide negative references are former supervisors," says Shane. "Perhaps a position of authority makes them feel that the company reference policies don't really apply to them or that there is no way that their former employee will ever become aware that negative feedback about them has been given out.”

Unfortunately, it’s not just an overtly negative reference that can be problematic. A simple "not eligible for rehire" from human resources can also doom an applicant's prospects for future employment.

The most reliable way to ensure that your references are responding appropriately to employment inquiries is to conduct a reference check(s). If a reference check confirms negative or inappropriate feedback, don’t despair; you have the ability to take action to prevent further harm to your employment opportunities. One of the foremost options is to have a Cease and Desist letter issued that will help ensure that the transgressor will stop their actions out of fear of corporate reprisal.

Enlist a company that works with attorneys versed in employment law who will review the client's report from a negative reference, speak directly with the client to discuss protocol and options, and then issue the letter to the organization from which the negative commentary originated.

Note that a single bad reference could keep you unemployed indefinitely. Be proactive with your references, visit www.AllisonTaylor.com for more information.