Bad Reference

123fins123

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice.

I have just left a job i have been in for around two years to develop my career further. During my time at the previous company I was receiving little to no support and it was an entry level position which led to myself, numerous times becoming very stressed.

I handed my notice in last year due to finding a new job but, due to certain personal circumstances I had to ask for my job back which was accepted.

I again handed my notice in recently (past two months) and accepted a new job. However after a successful two months at my new place I was told that the previous employer had given me a pretty poor reference, citing issues such as performance and timekeeping.

I am completely beside myself with upset and anxiety.

I had never,ever been disciplined in my previous role verbally or written, formally or informally. I have never had any issues brought up in any formal reviews and I was awarded a pay rise around 6 months ago. I have been commended by clients for my work.

I'm not sure what to do, I know my current employer doesn't seem too concerned, however I am still worried that their judgement of me will be impaired somewhat.

Has anyone had something similar happen?

Takeaway_Addict

123fins123 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice.

I have just left a job i have been in for around two years to develop my career further. During my time at the previous company I was receiving little to no support and it was an entry level position which led to myself, numerous times becoming very stressed.

I handed my notice in last year due to finding a new job but, due to certain personal circumstances I had to ask for my job back which was accepted.

I again handed my notice in recently (past two months) and accepted a new job. However after a successful two months at my new place I was told that the previous employer had given me a pretty poor reference, citing issues such as performance and timekeeping.

I am completely beside myself with upset and anxiety.

I had never,ever been disciplined in my previous role verbally or written, formally or informally. I have never had any issues brought up in any formal reviews and I was awarded a pay rise around 6 months ago. I have been commended by clients for my work.

I'm not sure what to do, I know my current employer doesn't seem too concerned, however I am still worried that their judgement of me will be impaired somewhat.

Has anyone had something similar happen?

Could they prove poor timekeeping etc?

If your current employer isn't fussed then I'm not sure I'd be that bothered.

And before anyone says it bad references can be given but the employer needs to back the statements up.

pioneer22

I know you're worried about this but who cares.

Show them you're great at your job don't give them any excuses not to think otherwise.

End of the day if they were that bothered about what a reference says they would of done it before you started.

123fins123

There wouldn't be anyway of quantifying poor timekeeping, besides I always put in the required hours and went above and beyond this at busy periods I was also never the last in the office to arrive. I'm really struggling to understand where this has come from. I do feel like "just leaving it" but at the same time I feel like it has put me in a harder position at my new place than If I was given even a standard, no frills reference.

daytona0

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Could they prove poor timekeeping etc?

If your current employer isn't fussed then I'm not sure I'd be that bothered.

And before anyone says it bad references can be given but the employer needs to back the statements up.

Aye, nothing worth getting anxious over if your current employer isn't too fussed.

The best approach would be to prove the reference wrong by working hard for your current employer and having good timekeeping.

[Deleted User]

Yes totally turns out I'd a new employer that got a bit warm once, the company I suspected of saying something actually later come out as those who just give dates of employment and that's it. Unbeknown I must have assisted somehow as they got pretty close in what they came out with basically on a guess)

Wouldn't stress, why not put them on the spot and ask to see. you've no idea of another's motives or forgetfulness. I've been with a company 3 months before now, had been paid at least twice going by monthly payroll when the boss reckoned I was still in my first month (poor dude!) but look at the trouble that could and may still cause! nothing I can do about someone else's memory.

So much about someone can be gleaned from likes of Whooru if you even so much as have a social media account. Absolutely Fascinating.

DCFC79

Just make sure your not late, do as required.

If your current employer isnt concerned by it then dont worry about it.

TBagpuss

If your new employer is not concerned then don't be concerned.

If you think your new employer is concerned, or simply to set your own mind at rest, you could speak to your manager (or the person who told you about the reference) and say something along the lines of:
"I am really confused about the reference you had from [old employer] When I was there I didn't have any issues with timekeeping or any other disciplinary matters. It was an entry level job and i was training but I was never given any indication they had any concerns about my performance, and they re-employed me after I had left, so there was no reason to think there were any issues.

This has concerned me, particularly the possibility that they had issues with my performance that they never mentioned to me. Can you let me know whether you as my manager have any concerns, or whether thre is anything that, in your view, I need to be improving on here?"

That way, you are letting them know that you don't think the information is accurate but you are also making clear that you are open to feedback, and if there are any issues in your current role, cues them in on the fact that you need that feedback.

I would be more concerned if they had got that reference when you started, but you've been in your new post 2 months so they have had the chance to see how you act, and to form their own opinion of you.

(In a small area, its also possible that they know of your former employer and that they are always like this with references)

Malthusian

I'd breathe a sigh of relief because a) your new employer has apparently acted sensibly (they haven't dismissed you and hired the second best candidate) and b) you've flushed out the fact that your old employer cannot be relied upon for a reference, before it did you any harm.

You shouldn't need to ever use your ex employer for a reference again - next time you can use your new employer and someone you know through volunteering, or a friend, or your old university tutor or A N Other.

Fireflyaway

Try not to make this bigger than it is. Be on time, work hard etc all the usual and there is nothing to worry about. They haven't withdrawn your employment so yes its annoying to hear someone could have compromised your chances, but ultimately that's not happened and you have a new job.