Worked under someone for 4 months who was terminated for putting employees down.

35 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 1:22AM UTC

   What’s up for debate here? This guy was an asshole in the office and treated people like dirt. You’ll put your own reputation at risk if you serve as a reference. NO is a complete sentence.

2. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 3:24AM UTC

   I agree. The guy feels people lied against him but there were many accusations.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 2,2022 at 2:44AM UTC

   The way I see it, you have two options - give an honest (bad) reference or block this guy and don't respond.

   If you give a bad (honest) reference, you could potentially be opening yourself up to legal liability.

   I suppose a third option would be to lie and give a good reference but if that was an option for you, I doubt you'd be asking us this question. I do not recommend this option.

4. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 2:56AM UTC

   If she gives a bad reference, there's no proof SHE gave the truth or that he was denied the job because of a poor recommendation.

   If he asks her, she could play dumb if she wants. But ultimately, karma on the supervisor. If he was decent, this wouldn't be an issue

5. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 3:23AM UTC

   I prefer not to risk getting sued. I’ll politely decline.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 2,2022 at 6:30AM UTC

   How do you know there would be no proof?

   I have been the person checking references. It's all in writing. If he was turned down for the job and went after the company, they might disclose who gave the reference.

   He could also potentially sweet talk some inexperienced HR clerk into disclosing information they shouldn't.

7. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 3:22AM UTC

   Unfortunately, it would be a conflict of interest for him to use you as a reference from a company he was terminated.

8. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 3:53PM UTC

   Yes plus we worked together for just months.

9. Lorraine SannerSeptember 2,2022 at 3:40AM UTC

   When applying for me current role, one of my references had ţo be a direct report.

   Apparently they spoke for about 45 minutes.

10. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 6:52PM UTC

    I was a direct report. But again, the reason for termination makes me uneasy to vouch for him.

11. Lorraine SannerSeptember 2,2022 at 3:43AM UTC

    You can always tell him you'd need to consult HR first and he'll backpedal quickly.

12. LaTonya Davis, JDSeptember 2,2022 at 11:57AM UTC

    You can say that you are not inclined to provide a reference given his history, especially if he "put you down." I do believe there is an opportunity as an ally to speak up when situations like this happen so that this behavior is prevented.

13. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 3:53PM UTC

    He didnt put me down. Other employees he did.

14. Kathryn MontbriandSeptember 2,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    A simple: 'i'm unable to provide a reference for you at this time' might do the trick? I wouldn't get into reasons or justifications.

15. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

    You shouldn't have to give a reason. But if it makes you more comfortable, you can say that you can't because you only worked for him such a short time.

16. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 5:30PM UTC

    Good idea.

17. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 6:06PM UTC

    If you don’t want to be a reference thank him for thinking of you, but respond with one of the following:

    1)You don’t know his work sufficiently well to provide the reference that he deserves.

    2)You have a tremendous amount on your plate and don’t have the time.

    3)You’re not the right fit.

18. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 7:04PM UTC

    I responded with your number 1 option. He never reponded :-0

19. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    How do you personally feel. Was he supportive to you to the extent you can give a positive reference based on your specific experience with him? If no, just politely decline and say you have not worked with him long enough to be able to give him a good referral. If he called you and you have his email, email him your response to avoid any awkwardness.

20. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 6:47PM UTC

    I declined based on the termination and the very short time I knew him. I think he got upset because he has since ignored me.

21. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 11:25PM UTC

    This petulant behavior just confirms you did the right thing refusing to give a reference.

22. AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 5:00AM UTC

    I agree. I mean why even ask me. You barely know me. It would have been nice if he responded saying he understood, but he just ignored me.

23. Crystal HowellSeptember 6,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

    Did you receive information from HR he was terminated because he put employees down,or office gossip.?

    How did he treat you?

    Did you get along? Is he knowledgeable? Why did he call you? Think about it, before you put your reputation on the line. If you don't want to do it , just tell him I can't get involved with a recommendation at this point. No other explanation needed,he's not your boss or friend? You are not a supervisor?

24. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    I was a direct report and am a supervisor. Yes, I was notified by HR the reason for termination. It caused chaos in the company. He was very nice to me and knowledgeable,however apparently he demeaned others. I professionally declined and he seemed to get upset being he has since ignored me.

25. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Legally - if you are still working for the same company that let him go - Professionally - you are only supposed to give the dates of employment and job title. Most likely there is a written company policy on this.

    In reality people give references all of the time. Usually they do it under the guise of personal reference if still working for the same company the other employee was working.

    If you do give a reference, just understand how it can reflect on you and if done representing your company how that could cause legal troubles for you and them.

26. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 11:58PM UTC

    It was not to verify employment. He literally wanted me to be a positive reference. I couldn’t do it.

27. Vanda LeeSeptember 9,2022 at 3:45PM UTC

    Just tell him you're not comfortable giving a reference for someone you worked under for such a short time. If he gets upset, that's his problem and a red flag for why you shouldn't give him a reference.

28. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:39AM UTC

    He got upset when I said no. I never heard back from him.

29. AnonymousSeptember 15,2022 at 7:58PM UTC

    I feel a little guilty declining. He was nice to me, however was terminated for bullying. He wants nothing to do with me and I think is still unemployed.

30. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 6:40PM UTC

    I would not say anything bad about him unless he was awful to me. If he was, I might ask for a bribe. Maybe he could return the favor if he gets hired at a better company.

    Nobody at any company is your friend so I would think about what this guy might do for me in the future.

31. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:39AM UTC

    I respectfully declined due to the drama and lack of time working together. He has since ghosted me.

32. Vanda LeeSeptember 10,2022 at 7:06PM UTC

    I'm laughing ? love the bribe part!

33. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 11:57PM UTC

    Bribe, no way!

34. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    I would not want my name associated with someone that was terminated for "putting employees down". RED FLAG-probably exhausted list people that can give a reference.

35. AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 11:57PM UTC

    There were also accusations of bullying. I just could not give a reference. I have no heard from him since I said no.