Reference?

You know it is funny that you would mention that.

when calling on references the employer can not say much,(another fine example of Tort law).
Also no one in their right mind is going to give a personal or character reference that is not going to make them look bad. Seems to me that it is a waste of time.

Honestly if an employer don't want to hire you, you can lie to your teeth, you will not be hired. If I work out in a job I will say it. Nobody is perfect the HR manager, the Nurse Manager are not perfect. When I went to an interview, whatever I said, I make sure it is the truth and nothing more. somehow people talk you will find someone who know you and say things you are not comfortable987 with. Be up front. 918

Jeff in Redmond, Washington said: First don't put references on your resume.

Don't even put "references available on request"

Unless you were at a job for a couple months, you should list your work

A resume is more than dates and lists of where you worked.

But, as far as I know it is actually illegal for companies to say anything but how long you worked at a company. They can only confirm facts. Those facts don't include performance reviews, salary amounts. It's quite limited.

Because of legal concerns most companies don't even give out references anymore. How do you know that isn't true for you.

Learn more: www.careermarketingonline.com/

This is all true but, this is how they find out if you were a good employee. They simply ask the previous employer would you hire this person again. That is a legit ? That is why it is a really good idea not burn bridges with former employers.

You're right that it's illegal for past employers to badmouth you. However, hiring managers can do private checking through their own network that you might never know about. In today's world of people switching companies every few years, it's likely that the hiring manager used to work for one of your past employers -or- has friends who work there now. Especially, if you stay in the same industry.

Bob, the hiring manager, picks up the phone and calls his friend, Sue, at your past employer. Depending on how long ago you worked there, Sue might know you. If not, she'll ask around and find someone who does and report back to Bob what she finds out. Hopefully, you left on good terms and had a good reputation. But if not, word of mouth might kill your chances of being hired at the next place. Bob's going to trust Sue over what you might tell him in your interview.

When HR checks your background, your past employers will probably follow the law and only provide the standard info. But it's the behind-the-scenes checking that can kill your chances for that great job you want. The sad part is, there's nothing you can do about the grapevine. Unless you switch industries and/or go work for a company that doesn't check references, you might be dragging that ball and chain around with you for a while.

I have lost count of the number of reference checks that I have done. With rare exceptions, there is always an “off the record” element to these reference checks. If nothing else, the reference can indicate by tone of voice and other subtleties what they thought of the person you are inquiring about.

I always asked whether they would recommend the applicant for the position I was filling. If they said “no” or “no comment” you had your answer.

Paul in Florida in Fort Myers, Florida said: I have lost count of the number of reference checks that I have done. With rare exceptions, there is always an “off the record” element to these reference checks. If nothing else, the reference can indicate by tone of voice and other subtleties what they thought of the person you are inquiring about.

I always asked whether they would recommend the applicant for the position I was filling. If they said “no” or “no comment” you had your answer.

And what do you advioce to do if the applicant is a new immigrant, who has only foreign experience and though has no any refences from your country?

What is the best way to overcome bad references? For many years, my career was on the upswing, progressing nicely. Then, I allowed myself to get off-course by taking a job that I shouldn't have to get away from a bad office situation that was getting worse. Over the next six years, I ricocheted from one job to the next trying to find a good fit again (or at least a tolerable fit). Jumping around ruined my career. Today, I couldn't buy a job in that industry, if I won the lottery. At my age, I can't afford to start over from scratch at the bottom, yet I can't find a professional-level job, either. It's like I've completely spun out of the workforce. Employers in my old industry tell me that I've been gone too long. Employers in other industries want people with relevant work experience. Even if I could get an offer, I have a feeling that my past employers would not give me good references. (I plan on hiring a company to do a background check, so I'll know what they're saying.) I want to put the past behind me, but my past is splattered all over my present. Any ideas on how to overcome this dilemma?

To any younger workers reading this saga, let this be a cautionary tale. No matter how successful you are, and regardless of the Fortune 500-type of companies that you might work for, always be aware of how each decision affects your overall career. Guard your reputation with your life!

Sally in Naperville, Illinois said: What is the best way to overcome bad references? For many years, my career was on the upswing, progressing nicely. Then, I allowed myself to get off-course by taking a job that I shouldn't have to get away from a bad office situation that was getting worse. Over the next six years, I ricocheted from one job to the next trying to find a good fit again (or at least a tolerable fit). Jumping around ruined my career. Today, I couldn't buy a job in that industry, if I won the lottery. At my age, I can't afford to start over from scratch at the bottom, yet I can't find a professional-level job, either. It's like I've completely spun out of the workforce. Employers in my old industry tell me that I've been gone too long. Employers in other industries want people with relevant work experience. Even if I could get an offer, I have a feeling that my past employers would not give me good references. (I plan on hiring a company to do a background check, so I'll know what they're saying.) I want to put the past behind me, but my past is splattered all over my present. Any ideas on how to overcome this dilemma?

To any younger workers reading this saga, let this be a cautionary tale. No matter how successful you are, and regardless of the Fortune 500-type of companies that you might work for, always be aware of how each decision affects your overall career. Guard your reputation with your life!

Always trust in your self and keep a positive attitude

Coileen Dikerson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana said: Always trust in your self and keep a positive attitude

I agree. I take pride in my work ethic and know most people have encountered working in bad environments ect. I choose to try to believe in myself and promote the skills I do have; with hopes that they will match what the employer is looking for. But if I don't ask questions or try to learn something I'll never know. Yes it is true that the grape vine network can kill you. I'm not ashamed of my actions and choose to not live my life in fear of just that. I choose to believe that stating things just didn't work for that position and recognize that there may be a whole lot of other skills or factors to consider for the next position. I try to believe that in this crazy world there are many that apply this same belief. I also try to remember that every one has to answer to some one; including our maker when it is our time. The people that enjoy degrading others for no significant reason other than control issues or what ever makes them feel powerful doing it. What comes around goes around.

Sally, I am glad that you raised this question in this forum because there are probably others with the same question. It doesn't appear that your question was answered so I thought I would give it shot. Go to those managers that you think would give you a bad reference and ask them what they would say to a potential new employer. You should note that they are limited to what they can say. Not as many companies are calling references nowadays because of the liability issues for both parties (the former employer and potential employer). But you have to do your homework in this area so when you have that conversation you come across as a subject matter expert. Once you have done that prepare your responses to address why you left. Interviewers will want to quiz you on why you left. You may be asked, "Are you eligible for rehire?", "Were you ever terminated or asked to leave a position?"

Should you wait to get the offer before giving out references?