Referencing help

itsmethatswho

Hi, I'm currently in the process of applying for jobs. I am a qualified nursery nurse, and after being a full time stay at home mum, am eager to go back to work! My problem is, I've been to a few interviews over the past couple of years, but have been unsuccesdful. I left my last nursery position in 2009 under bad terms. It was a small independently run nursery, and a new member of staff was bullying me, unfortunately the owner sided with her and effectively gave me hell. As a result, I left. I have since heard rumours that the owner has boasted that she has been giving me negative references.
Anyway, my problem is how do I convey this to potential employers? I have had a non childcare job since, but im worried that the same thing will happen again if i put down my previous nursery manager as a reference. But if i dont wont potential employers wonder why?
I live in a relatively small area, and most nursery owners know each othet, which also poses a problem.
Please any advise would be great. This is making me very down.

InsideInsurance

A close knit or incestuous industry can be a major pain. It is very similar to the insurance industry in the City that it is rare that someone with a fair amount of experience in your field wont have worked in at least one of the previous organisations you have.

Whilst formal references are sort the reality is that if you see someone whos worked where you have then you give a quick call to someone who you know and get an informal unofficial reference which tends to be much more candid in nature.

How is this manager viewed generally? If they are a known pain in the @rse it may not be much of an issue because everyone knows what they're like. If they are the current chair person of the local association and others admire them then its more of an issue.

Personally I would try to avoid it, give others as your references. If they ask to get a reference from them because as the most recent relevant experience then say that you dont have an issue, make it clear that you resigned rather than being dismissed but make it aware that the fact you lodged a grievance was not taken well

itsmethatswho

Thany you so much for your reply. Unfortunately the owner is very well thought of, among outsiders that is. Every member of staff that have had issues with her or have left on bad terms have never worked within child care since. I may just have to look further afield. Im very good at my job and i refuse to let her beat me!

Takeaway_Addict

Then you will have to do the scatter gun approach, apply for as many jobs as possible but you will have to accept that owners talk to each other and until you find a nursery that doesn't know your previous boss you maybe banging your head against a brick wall