Reference Checking

Anonymous

July 14,2023 at 2:59PM UTC

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Reference Checking

I interviewed for a position that I am really excited about and the company has asked for my references. This is great news, however they requested that I provide a minimum of 5 references, with at least 1 being my most recent supervisor. My problem is that I suspect that my most recent supervisor will not provide a positive review as I was released from my position after 5 months (during 12 month probationary period) and I voiced my concerns about her leadership to her supervisor in an exit interview. What should I do? Should I reach out to the recruiter with my concerns? Inadvertently omit the supervisors name and list 5 or more others? List her name and hope the other good reviews will carry more weight? Should I reach out to my last supervisor? Please advise.

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MislynJuly 14,2023 at 3:08PM UTC
I did not use my ex employer as a reference. I did use someone else within the company that I knew would give me a good reference. My boss was so upset that l was leaving I knew I would not get a good reference from him. If you have the least little doubt I would not put them as a reference. Maybe just leave that job off the resume unless you were there along time.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 3:11PM UTC
My question for you is what did you share in your interview about your departure from this position?
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 3:32PM UTC
I mainly shared that I felt I was not set up for success because my supervisor was frequently absent, did not share job expectations or provide training or feedback. In the end she gave me a directive to complete a project that was unrealistic in the given time frame and then dismissed me when I fell short of her unrealistic expectations.
I have listed this job on my resume and have been asked to provide her as a reference.
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJuly 14,2023 at 10:54PM UTC
If you've shared this, just provide a name of the supervisor before her, and reiterate that she didn't have the opportunity to get to know you due to her frequent absences.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 4:29PM UTC
It's a bit late now, but given the short tenure and negative experience, you might consider omitting the role on future versions of your resume to avoid this altogether. Do you know your prior company's policy on references? Many companies only allow confirmation of job title and dates of employment, in which case your former supervisor's personal opinions won't matter. If your former employer doesn't have a restrictive policy, you might want to give the recruiter the head's up that the reference may be less than stellar, sticking to facts/being 100% professional about why.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 5:22PM UTC
I've encountered this before.Did they mention that the person had to be my direct supervisor? It could be another supervisor that you might work with on a regular basis and possibly have a good professional relationship.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 5:38PM UTC
Most larger companies only permit the HR dept to answer these questions for this reason. "Company Policy" states that all reference requests go thru HR might work. Then simply give them the direct number to HR. If you don't know it, call the general number and ask. Additionally, most larger companies may have a dedicated line that uses a code they provide you when you ask them, and you give this code to the prospective employer to use to get the info. This method is also used for mortgage companies to verify your employment. Some companies will try to skate around the rule, knowing full well HR is the only one who can provide the data.
misskelleypJuly 15,2023 at 5:57PM UTC
She will also want to know what HR will say about her when called for a reference - might ask a friend to call to do a "dummy check" for her.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 5:36PM UTC
Depending on state law, they can only answer things like, salary, title, years of employment, and whether or not she is rehireable.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 6:15PM UTC
I believe by law they have to refer you to HR because the company can not say negative things about you because that could prevent you from getting a new job. So provide the company’s corporate office number. If he wants information on you. They will direct him to HR . They do not want a legal matter on there hands.
misskelleypJuly 15,2023 at 5:56PM UTC
it's definitely not a LAW (I've been in HR for 30 years). It's generally a company policy that says that reference checks go through HR, rather than individuals.
Kelly Harman-SeversonJuly 15,2023 at 12:28PM UTC
Just tell them it is not possible for them to contact your previous manager due to company policy.
AnonymousJuly 15,2023 at 6:11PM UTC
I think you let them know that your previous company has a firm position to not offer any references other than dates of employment and they also do not let their managers provide anything beyond that. Then let them know why you left. I would advise saying my former manager and I were not aligned and I took my concerns to our HR department. When it was clear that things would not change I decided to separate from the company. Let them know if they probe more that you are bound by an exit document to not share more details. That should do it and then be sure your other manager references are solid.
Liz MilneJuly 16,2023 at 12:56AM UTC
I would leave her out, say I had a work hiatus during that period or something - but I don't know, it's a hard one... being caught out in an obfuscation won't do you any good... :/
Refilwe RapotuJuly 16,2023 at 3:06PM UTC
Was she your direct supervisor, and if so, was there anyone else above her that you could put on?
Depending on what line of work you are in, I would put in the clients that you worked closely with as opposed to your supervisor. Most people understand that not all relationships would be peachy, so find a way to explain (PROFESSIONALLY) why your most-recent supervisor is not the best person to speak into your WORK, and why a client or even peer would give better insight on your capabilities and how you carry yourself.
Vanda LeeJuly 16,2023 at 3:38PM UTC
Put someone on there that you worked well with that would give you a good reference - and obviously notify/ask this person & explain the situation. Like others have said, references are usually given by HR department and include work dates and possible eligibility for re-hire.
Zayda HernandezJuly 17,2023 at 11:38AM UTC
Despite the fact that companies should only provide date employed, pay and reason for leaving many employers do not follow this guideline. Why risk it. But more importantly keep in mind that the industries are a small circle and if you are in a specialized industry even smaller. Odds are someone knows someone on the inside. I would speak to your recruiter and advise them of the situation and get ahead of this. Value yourself and if you did nothing wrong explain and move on.