Bad reference - what can I do?

Lucy-Jane

New poster here so please be kind! All suggestions very gratefully taken on board.

I applied for a job, had interview, got the job subject to references.

I worked for Company A 2yrs ago. No problems whatsoever and I left after maternity leave. When I left they gave a good reference to Company B.

I worked for Company B more recently and I left because the place I worked in closed down.

Company A have now given me a bad reference :mad:. Company B's is great.

I have no idea what has been said or why (Company C think it may be because Company A were annoyed I left after mat leave).

I hear from Company C next week.

Sorry it's long winded but am very stressed - what can I do to help the situation? If I don't get the job, what then?

Anihilator

Well it depends on what has been said. If Company A have told the truth then its perfectly legitimate.

Are you sure they have done this and company C don't just want to get out of giving you a job.

mrcow

How have you heard about the reference? Have you managed to see a copy of it? If so, is it factually correct? Do you have any other correspondance (eg. performance reviews from the time etc) which point to the contrary?

Lucy-Jane

No, it was a unanimous decision to hire me , it was the second time they'd advertised the post.

They've already set the wheels in motion for business cards/office/laptop etc.

I don't know what has been said. I have done nothing wrong at all and cannot think what could have been negative.

Lucy-Jane

Mrcow I haven't seen the reference (new company say it's confidential) so no idea what's in it.

If I don't get the job I'll be gutted though.

mrcow

All you can do is damage limitation.

Can you get an alternative reference from:

1. another company you have worked for?
2. Anyone who you worked with whilst at company A who would give you a good reference?

Or any personal references. Whether company C have asked for them or not, it certainly can't hurt to try to get something together?

If they've already said that they think that company A are being vindictive, then it may well not affect the offer.

If is does though and you want to know what was said, a way of getting round this is to ask someone you know to enquire at company A for a reference and see what they say (sneaky, but at least you'd know where you stand). And at least next time you know not to put them down for a reference!

Lucy-Jane

Did supply references from another company plus a school I did charity work for. Both of those were really good. Have also offered them a personal reference from someone else I worked with.

I hope to God that they do just think Comapny A are being vindictive - the fact that they had given me a good reference previously also shows they're inconsistent.

It's awful, I haven't even started yet (and may not) but already I feel tarred with a bad reputation.

mrcow

Lucy-Jane wrote: »

It's awful, I haven't even started yet (and may not) but already I feel tarred with a bad reputation.

I wouldn't worry too much.

if you think about it, why would company C even tell you if they thought it was a major problem? Most people can see past these sorts of things. It says more about company A than it does about you.

Not being funny - but you've had to supply four references? Where is this new job? MI5?

Lucy-Jane

You're lovely. And no it's not for MI5 but it is a very public facing job which will be accountable to all sorts of bodies so I'm worried they'll want Snow White and this will be enough to scupper me.

On the plus side - yes you're right, Company C could have just said no without giving me any opportunity to limit the damage. I really do think they want me but aaaaargh without knowing what's been said I can't defend myself!

<Feels herself going round and round and round in circles>

shikoku

You could Subject Access Request for your reference, the recipient cannot refuse to supply you with a copy and if it does contain untruthful or malicious comments you would then need to speak to ACAS with a view to claiming compensation from the reference giver via an Industrial Tribunal.

The company where I work had a manager who apparently went on a spree of malicious reference giving; he brought a great many problems down upon his employer as a consequence and of course he had left by then.

zzzLazyDaisy

If you are still on good terms with company B, you could ask them to provide you with a copy of the reference that company A gave to them. At the very least it will show the new employer that company A is being inconsistent.