What to Do About a Bad Reference

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yes I had a bully and mob situation which resulted in some negative stuff in my file, these people are Toxic. I'm just going to give another supervisor and get them checked out beforehand. and I will address it in future interviews we have all had bad supervision on occasion, but this one needs some education and a shrink. (not in that order)

Sandra Sheridan of FL 6:30PM April 27, 2012

Alison,
Most aspects of a professional reference are a matter of opinion where factual accuracy can't be easily disputed if a former supervisor is providing a bad reference. For example, an unreasonable supervisor might ask an employee to achieve a goal that typically beyond what is normally expected for a given position or just not possible given the resources provided. He might be doing this for his own selfish career goals or to retain a good employee. If the goal is not accomplished, this might lead to bad reference. A mean spirited supervisor can easily parse their words where they only provide opinions, denying an employee of a future opportunity. Thus, the victimized employee can not easily dispute the reference. An alternative option, not mentioned, might be to ask for a surrogate reference from one of your supervisor's bosses, especially if you know this person dislikes your supervisor, your supervisor is being forced out, or he is aware of the problems associated with your supervisor's behavior. If he is at another company, hire a reference checking company to document what he is saying and then hit the legal counsel of your former supervisor's new company with a cease and desist to shut him up.

Nathan of TX 12:29AM April 15, 2012

In my last job, I was a victim of work place politics where my immediate supervisor was a sadist and got off on pitting his employees against each other. I was dealing with harassment from a co-worker to such a point where she made it impossible for me to do my job, my supervisor encouraged her behavior towards me. When I finally was forced to escalate my complaint to HR, I got fired the very next day. My supervisor and the co-worker are still there. The department has the worst turn over rate in the company and HR turns a blind eye towards it.

Kris M of CO 2:42PM April 14, 2012

I am frustrated no end with this and I was hoping that I would find encouragement in this article. There is none. My former supervisor is just the type of person who would get off on ruining a former employee's life. He had the worst turn around of anyone in the department. The HR Director is available only half the time and she would refer a reference call to a department manager before taking one herself. What does this mean? If you have a bad reference, you starve to death?!

Kris M of CO 2:37PM April 14, 2012

i need help tured places in becaue they will not gave me a chance. i have had interview but no job they said they would call me back matter if i get job or not but i don't get no answer at i would need something done about this.

karen of OH 8:36AM April 06, 2012

Sal G. That's the exact boat I am in right now. I worked in a school district where my superiors were doings things that they shouldn't be doing. I decided I wasn't going along with it. And next thing you know I am laid off. I have been looking for a job for a year and a half & haven't got one interview. I call and ask why I was refused even an interview and told different things. I am quite sure my previous employer that I worked for 9 years is sabotaging me for the sheer joy of being able to do so. But I have not been able to conform it. So I am still searching for a job. :(

Brian T. of Sac. of CA 7:30PM April 03, 2012

These suggestions would not be effective for a previous Civil Service employee (or some others). The hiarchy is not constructed in such a way that human resources is above the department head. They could not make a call and "put a stop to it". The vindictivness of some departments heads runs deep. They feel whatever you have done to make them unhappy will be carried out by" reaching out from the grave" to ruin further employment for you.
Calling you old employer is not "worth a shot". Many bosses get a perverse joy out of your call and it will only fuel their desire to further make you miserable. As an aside, even if it was illegal to give bad references it would be near impossible to enforce unless phones are bugged and that wouldn't be worth the court costs.
In NY attorneys don't take employment cases pro bono, so be prepared to have buckets full of cash if you what to help yourself (while your out of work). As to telling a possibly new employer that your relationship with your last boss "soured"-very tricky. More often you will be perceived as a potential problem employee and they have many other people they can hire instead of you.
Your in really bad shape if a past employer 'has it in for you". The reality is, your all alone and on your own.

Sal G. of NY 5:29PM March 01, 2012

I was recently released from a company that owes me quite a bit of commission. Because I would not sign a blanket waiver for a few thousand dollars of severance the CEO has instructed the entire company that they are not allowed to speak with anyone about me including those wishing to hire me even though several peers would happily be willing to go to bat for me. My question is, is this legal that they can infer the threat of their own jobs by speaking on my behalf?

Rick of IL 10:47PM December 06, 2011

Hi Alison,
Thank you very much for your valuable advise.
Could you please suggest me how to reduce poor reference check statistics in the organisation.
Warm regards,
Rohit Sharma
NB. I am based out of India. I could not find India as an option in state, hence I chose IN in the state drop box.

Rohit Sharma of IN 4:00AM December 05, 2011

I put the HR manager as the person to contact for my former company. I don't put my former supervisor, as I know he will not give me a good reference. I know that in this tough job market references are important, reading above to forewarn the prespective employers, where would that go on your resume? Not all openings offer applications they look at resumes.

Melanie of TX 3:21PM December 04, 2011