8 Things You Should Know About Job References

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I had the same problem. I worked for a well known company that does not provide references. As we were starting a round of layoffs during 2009 we were called into a meeting. I saw some paperwork being given to a manager. She went into her office and then I heard her say "No References Oh My! Another manager told her to be quiet as the employees were not to be advised of this policy till we were actually going to be laid off. It is true even those managers are advised by HR that THEY will be fired if they make any exceptions and give someone a reference. They could only provide our salary and work history through "theworknumber.com."

Nancy Petillo of MD 4:17PM June 13, 2013

I used to read a great deal of books but now I surf the internet looking for really good blogs like this one to read. this was a good read thanks!

KileBrierve of ID 10:07AM May 20, 2013

Number 4 is so true! It looks really bad that you didn't give your reference a heads up. Help me to understand why you didn't keep your reference in the know? Do you want the job or not? Once you schedule an interview, call your reference and let them know the company name and for what position you're interviewing. @JobCoachJacqui

Jacqui Washington, MBA of GA 8:05PM March 25, 2013

i believe if that person giving a bad reference response should also have to identify themselves. they should not be anonymous and hide behind a phone. That way, had they said anything improper, they should make sure its factual and accurate, otherwise, they should have no say-so in your job search. Peple need families to feed and who knows, that individual may have a better work ethic at their new job than the previous one

Rafael Chiles of TX 12:49PM January 06, 2013

and why would a company not hire you because of credit problems, isnt getting a job and earning money a way to correct your bad credit? its like a double blow when a company refuse to offer you employment because of bad credit, while the employee is trying to get a job to repair his or her bad credit, companies should give everyone a chance

nanci of MA 11:40AM June 06, 2012

I learned the hard way, I went for the interview for that job, the interview went so smooth, the HR person told me when I get back from vacation call her, and I will start training, because I had planned my vacation before they called me for the interview, the bad part came when I told them my old job, and named the supervisor at that job, who never gave me a good yearly evaluation, yet when he wants something done he would call me, one time his car battery died and he call me to get it started, another time he wanted a ride to the airport, and the only person he asked was me, yet he would lie about me to the office. Anyway when I gave his name, and got back from vacation and called the new job, the woman never called me back, although the number was her direct number, I think the witch ass supervisor told her negative things about me, so if you know your manager or supervisor is jealous you trying to leave their hell hole environment, dont use that company, otherwise you wont get the job, all the jobs I apply for when I omit that company with the witch boss, I always get a call and good positive feedback.

nanci of MA 11:29AM June 06, 2012

true, I gave my old job as a past job, then they asked me for my supervisor and I gave his name, the job called him, but before that I had a good interview that I would get the job, but after they talked to my supervisor, the job never called me back, sometimes supervisors or managers are jealous you are looking for another job, and they would lie to prospective employers, so if you know your boss is a prick, who wants to drive you nuts but still dont want you to get another job, dont include that job in your reference.

nanci of MA 11:21AM June 06, 2012

I wonder about employers who don't want to lose employees because they haven't had luck hiring more people, so they try to hang onto who they have? I don't think you can actually tell them "look i'm trying to leave can i have a decent reference since I've been here 10 years?"

Resume Weary of IA 4:01PM April 24, 2012

Allison, I had 6 hours worth of interviews with HR director, President, Founder, SVPs, directors and would be staff members. It was very positive. Two weeks later, I get an email requesting my references. I provide them. The next day, he sends me a note, do you happen to know your GPA (from 18 years ago). Anyway, that was almost a week ago. They've not called my references. Is it OK for me to check in with the employer to see if they would prefer different references

Larry of UT 12:40PM April 23, 2012

What if your trying to move within the company and don't want them to contact your current manager? All they need to do is look in the system and can see who your manager is...so how does one get around that?

Robin of DE 9:07PM March 13, 2012