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I'm frequently asked what to do if an employer
can't (or won't) give a reference.
I'm also asked what to do if the most recent employer would give a
bad reference.
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There are a number of ways to handle this if
your employer won't act as a reference - or will act as a bad reference.
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Only a fool lists a bad reference. It amazes
me how many bad references are listed.
The job candidate knows the recent employer will give a bad review,
but feel obligated to list him/her because s/he was the most recent
boss. If there's even a chance that
a bad reference will be given, then do not list that person.
It ain't just bosses. A
few of my clients erroneously believe that managers are the only people who
can give references. Not so! Get letters of reference from your
supervisors, sure, but also get them from your subordinates and those lateral to you.
If you've served on committees for a non-profit or other worthwhile
cause, you can also ask members of those teams for letters of reference.
Make copies of your reference letters. Scan
them into your computer and burn them to a CD. Include hard copies of these letters when
snail mailing, and ask for permission to send electronic copies when
submitting online.
Don't list social or family contacts. If you
have the urge to list a friend you've never worked with or a family member,
squash that urge. Only list work
contacts or those with whom you've teamed with on worthwhile community or
charity projects.
IN THE CARAVAN: Use
quality references. Get references from those above, below and next to you
on the corporate food chain. And
make copies of your reference letters.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Resumes
