Q&A

What should I do if I get negative reference from a former employer?

What should I do if I get negative reference from a former employer?

Finally, if you anticipate a negative reference from a former employer, share additional references. If you didn’t get along with your manager, for instance, provide a peer as a reference as well. Or, provide reference options from jobs earlier in your career.

What should I do if my former employer gives me more information?

If your former employer does give out more information than the basics, it doesn’t hurt to try to negotiate the additional details they share. It certainly can’t hurt to ask. If you left under difficult circumstances, you could ask someone you know to call and check your references, that way you’ll know what information is going to come out.

How can an employee find out if a former boss gives a bad impression?

One way is to ask current or former co-workers. If you feel the employer is bad-mouthing you to potential employers, hire an investigative agency to determine if your suspicions are true. These investigative agencies often pose as potential employers to discover what former employers are saying about you.

Do you have to disclose information about former employees?

Large companies typically have policies regarding the disclosure of former employee information, but may not. Many smaller employers don’t have a policy at all or aren’t aware of or concerned about legal liability issues.

Finally, if you anticipate a negative reference from a former employer, share additional references. If you didn’t get along with your manager, for instance, provide a peer as a reference as well. Or, provide reference options from jobs earlier in your career.

Can a former employer give information about a former employee?

In some states, employers may provide information about a former employee only with the employee’s consent.

One way is to ask current or former co-workers. If you feel the employer is bad-mouthing you to potential employers, hire an investigative agency to determine if your suspicions are true. These investigative agencies often pose as potential employers to discover what former employers are saying about you.

When does a former employer speak negatively about your performance?

Navigating the sometimes choppy waters of the job market can be tough for anyone, but it is especially frustrating when a former employer is speaking negatively about your performance.