I found out that I am a finalist on an intermediate level county position.

Anonymous

February 2,2023 at 10:30PM UTC

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I found out that I am a finalist on an intermediate level county position. This round is regarding reference checks. I got an email from someone at the County asking for clarification about a temp assignment I did at a another division within the County. Unfortunately, in that particular position I did not do well. I was going through post partum depression and I was ordered to leave my home from CPS (long story). I was sleeping on this guy's studio floor, and he slept on his bed which was 15 feet away. He was someone I didnt know very well, and I couldnt get restful sleep because I was scared and on edge. It didn't help that I was over medicated. My county supervisor at that assignment was super nice and supportive. When I asked her to be reference on a different job a few years ago, she told me she wouldn't be able to give me a good reference because I did not do my job well. This was news to me because I never got spoken to nor wasbai given any warnings. So how do I address that position with the persperson who is asking? Do i just be upfront and llet them know the back story? The job I'm applying for is a social worker type position for those folks caught in the middle needing short term intervention to stay housed.

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AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 11:08PM UTC
This is a hard one. Since it is for a government agency, it is probably a requirement. Do you know if the supervisor is still there? If not, explain that since it was temporary, it does not represent any of your best work, the supervisor has moved on, and has in the past refused to provide a reference as a matter of principle. If you have other contacts willing to provide something glowing for work in your field (even if it was for volunteer work), offer that reference as an alternative. If she is still there, you may have to give her name and department and do some pre-emptive damage control.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 2,2023 at 11:57PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"This round is regarding reference checks. I got an email from someone at the County asking for clarification about a temp assignment I did at a another division within the County."
What does this mean exactly? Did they specify what kind of clarification they're looking for or what they're looking for clarification on? They could just be wanting clarification on beginning or end dates. Or did you work through a staffing firm?
I'd find out exactly what they're looking for first. I would not recommend you sharing the above information under any circumstances.
AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 4:29AM UTC
Did you provide a specific reference at that job? When listing the companies you've worked for and in what role, all they can do is confirm employment & period. Nothing more. They can't say- "Jane was not a good employee, etc." In fact most companies will refer them to a 1-800# service that does it for them. Unless you gave them a name- I wouldn't worry.
AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 6:17PM UTC
I think you mention going through a personal medical crisis and being under doctors care during that time. Let them know that you were not at your best and that while you did work there for those dates you might not be given the most glowing testament to your quality of work. Keep it simple and if they pressure you let them know you can provide a doctors note to your situation.