Previous Boss Lied On My Reference - Offer Retracted

annie-c

Hi again, Katie.

You need to keep taking deep breaths and prepare for the phone call this afternoon. For now I would suggest that you concentrate on thinking about what to say to him/her to make a convincing case for yourself.

You might want to write down the sorts of things you want to say and practice saying it out loud a few times before you get the call.. You need to practice sounding bright, concerned and NOT tearful, if you can help it. Saying it out loud will help you I promise.

You might want to say:

• you are feeling very shocked and upset by the news that your contract has been cancelled and you hope to be able to resolve the matter
• you are aware of problems within your previous company but you were not subject to any disciplinary procedures and you are trying to resolve the misunderstanding
• you were/are very much looking forward to the new job and you are keen to resolve this matter and begin your contract with them
• etc, etc.

Can you think of any other positive things you might want to say this afternoon? Could you ask them to agree to delay the start of your contract to give you time to resolve this?

Hugs
Annie

loopy_lass

can we be sure this is what has really happened? maybe the ex boss hasnt said these things there was another reason they retracted the offer & used this as an excuse. For example, if another member of staff is recruited or a member of staff or managements relative.

I think you are entitled to a copy of the reference, worth a try, you have nothing to loose. I think if a company has had this kind of reference, then firstly they should call you in and ask you to explain your side, and secondly they should know its an illegal reference & should either dimiss it or at least follow up the information before making a decision.

try not to jump to conclusions, it may be nothing to do with your ex boss, it may be an excuse to get the bosses son in post!!!

just a thought..

loops

Katie_Bell

annie-c wrote:

Hi again, Katie.

You need to keep taking deep breaths and prepare for the phone call this afternoon. For now I would suggest that you concentrate on thinking about what to say to him/her to make a convincing case for yourself.

You might want to write down the sorts of things you want to say and practice saying it out loud a few times before you get the call.. You need to practice sounding bright, concerned and NOT tearful, if you can help it. Saying it out loud will help you I promise.

You might want to say:

• you are feeling very shocked and upset by the news that your contract has been cancelled and you hope to be able to resolve the matter
• you are aware of problems within your previous company but you were not subject to any disciplinary procedures and you are trying to resolve the misunderstanding
• you were/are very much looking forward to the new job and you are keen to resolve this matter and begin your contract with them
• etc, etc.

Can you think of any other positive things you might want to say this afternoon? Could you ask them to agree to delay the start of your contract to give you time to resolve this?

Hugs
Annie

Thanks Annie, that was really helpful. I have written a few things down but will add those points to it. I have been doing a lot of research on their industry, so will mention that as I'm really keen to do this role.

Katie_Bell

loopy_lass wrote:

can we be sure this is what has really happened? maybe the ex boss hasnt said these things there was another reason they retracted the offer & used this as an excuse. For example, if another member of staff is recruited or a member of staff or managements relative.

I think you are entitled to a copy of the reference, worth a try, you have nothing to loose. I think if a company has had this kind of reference, then firstly they should call you in and ask you to explain your side, and secondly they should know its an illegal reference & should either dimiss it or at least follow up the information before making a decision.

try not to jump to conclusions, it may be nothing to do with your ex boss, it may be an excuse to get the bosses son in post!!!

just a thought..

loops

Thanks Loopy, but I really don't think that would be the case - they were all really lovely and it was another small company. I guess I just need to stay calm and wait for the phone call.

Arkad

I can't add anything to the excellent advice you've already been given, however i'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and I hope it all works out. Please keep us updated with your situation.

Good luck

annie-c

I think that what you have to do Katie, is be able to tell the MD that you are devastated/astonished while all the while sounding calm and reasonable.

When I was once facing a situation where I had been wrongly accused of something the best advice I got was from someone who told me that if I played my cards right I would be judged more for the way I handled the situation than for the situation itself.

The best you can do is try to come across as mature, sensible, rightly unhappy and deeply concerned to get into the job that you have set your heart on and that you intend to give your all to.

I thoroughly recommend practising saying it out loud. It is not going to be an easy call to take and there is a danger that you might well up in tears when you first hear yourself say the words. If you practise a few times it will take the heat out of it, I promise...

Take care, and let us know how you get on

annie xx

Katie_Bell

Thanks Annie. I think I know what I'm going to say now and I have practiced saying it outloud. Feeling sick with nerves though.

blackcateddie

Please bear in mind that if the reference was in writing then you are entitled to a copy, if it was emailed then under the Information Act you are entitled as well.
annie C is right, I've worked in HR for 20yrs and am well aware that negative references can be down to personality problems rather than being a bad employee - how you act now can strenghten your position wiht a new company.

annie-c

You go, girl! I can understand you feeling sick with nerves, but just try to harness that adrenalin and show them what you're made of!

Your previous boss is a nasty worm and the sooner you get yourself sorted the sooner you will be able to put him behind you for good!

Katie_Bell

blackcateddie wrote:

Please bear in mind that if the reference was in writing then you are entitled to a copy, if it was emailed then under the Information Act you are entitled as well.
annie C is right, I've worked in HR for 20yrs and am well aware that negative references can be down to personality problems rather than being a bad employee - how you act now can strenghten your position wiht a new company.

I haven't spoken to the new MD yet, but I believe it was a verbal reference, where do I stand on that?