work reference

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Hello Guys,

I was wondering If I get an job offer and I am asked to provide two job references can these two references be colleges or does this have to be a manager? Also has anyone lost a job because of bad references, I am not really getting on with the new manager this is why I am wondering.

 

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I generally split mine into personal references and professional references.

Unless it's your first job hirers will want to see a previous professional work reference as, along with your CV / interview tests, they'll want confirmation of your technical skills.

College references, unless job related, would be treated as personal references.

 

I may have this wrong, but I don't think you can be given a 'bad reference', I think instead they just wouldn't give you a reference at all

 

sorry for my English i meant colluge not college.

 

They cant give you a bad reference as they would then be opened to being sued for deformation of character. Most companies now i believe just state; position held, date of employment and sick days taken unless asked for specifics.

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do you mean colleague (a person at work) or college (place of learning)?

 

colleague,

i hate my new boss

 

It will more than likely be written by HR

 

what do you mean its HR?

 

human resources

 

i know that but when my future employer asks for reference i just give the details of HR and they will give the reference?

 

Well here's the thing... technically speaking, for confidentiality reasons, they should not have to call your current employer. I've always been asked for a reference from my superiors or colleagues whom I've worked with and that is exactly what I provide. Unless asked, there is no reason for the employer to ask for personal references. Your friends are always going to say nice things about you so its not really a valid reference.

In terms of giving you a bad reference, that's where things get interesting. Technically your current or past employer can't say bad things about you. They'll just need to confirm that you did indeed worked there, that you did have a position with the title and responsibilities you've mentioned on your CV and that you do not work there as of "this date" and that's it. Sometimes the person conducting the background check, can ask your boss about how you've got on with the team, did you get the job done, etc... if he can't say anything neutral or good he technically can't say anything bad that could hinder your chances of getting the job. I know I would not say anything bad about my previous employees, rather I would say "I rather not comment".

Also keep in mind that the offers from potential employers are conditional, so all the background checks have to pass before the offer is official. If you've had any issues with your boss or bosses in the past, you're better off saying the truth up front, or else hiding things can make things worse.

 

You certainly can be given a bad reference. I know it happended to me once and I looked into it and from my research I found out that: It is a myth that it is illegal to give you a bad reference. You could possibly sue them for deformation of character if you can prove that what that they if has said is incorrect which could be an difficult, time consuming and lengthy process

 

Well you can prove it because its on the record right from when the background check is conducted, at least it should be... I am sure its a grey area and there's perhaps exceptions and what not... but regardless, I don't think most employers wish to go down that road unless something really bad happened or the ex boss takes something personally and decides to get even. I would still be cautious and upfront with a future prospect regardless.