Handling a bad reference: What to do about an employer’s negative reference

It’s almost impossible to find the perfect job. And if for whatever reason, a job doesn’t work out, you have to move on to newer and greener pastures. Let’s say you have an impressive CV with stellar references to send to future employers. Many of these potential employers wish for information that indicates how good your performance is, whether you are a team player, etc. This is why references are important. But what if, when they call one of your previous managers, they provide information that shows you in a negative light? Is handling a bad reference doable?

Who to put as references

Your references or referees are people who can provide certain information to a potential employer. As such, they are people who are familiar with your character, your abilities, work ethics, etc. While potential employers usually only contact people you list as referees in the CV, they might also contact managers from previous jobs you held. So, who should you put as references in your CV?

• Current employer
• Previous employer
• Manager
• Supervisor
• Colleague
• Teacher
• Mentor

The people you put as references should be articulate professionals. Since they basically have to act as your advocate, they have to be personable and engaging. And yes, they have to know you well. However, just because they are very familiar with you, they cannot be a referee. For instance, you cannot include family members or friends as references. Why? Simply because a referee must give an unbiased evaluation. Family or friends, however, cannot provide such a perspective, making their involvement in the hiring process a conflict of interest.

Handling a bad reference with grace

Referees often provide constructive and positive feedback to potential employers. However, on rare occasions, an employer may give a bad reference, which can affect your chances of getting hired. No matter how amicable you feel your resignation was, a manager or supervisor may not agree with your perspective. In which case, they may express their opinions too frankly to a potential employer.

If that becomes the case, handling a bad reference becomes necessary. Not only so you can secure a job in the present moment, but so it doesn’t affect your future professional successes. So, what can you do in order to overcome it?

When can you challenge a bad reference?

Believe it or not, you can actually challenge a bad reference. You have the grounds to do so when the reference in question is:

• inacccurate
• misleading
• discriminatory

If you have reason to believe that a reference is unfair in such circumstances, you can use the following steps to handle the bad reference.

Contact your former employer

Handling a bad reference sometimes comes with a slice of humble pie. While your career at your previous place of work is over, your former employer may be willing to discuss the matter with you. This is a good opportunity to resolve whatever issues between the company and you that led to the bad reference. However, restoring relations with a former employer is not possible if you do not show humility and a willingness to show amends and take responsibility. You are not entitled to that positive reference. Express your concerns and be open and willing to accept the employers perspective and feedback.

You are trying to deal with a bad reference. This is not the time to play the blame game or point fingers. Focus on yourself and what you can do to improve the former employer’s image of you. If necessary, accept your culpability in the issue and apologise sincerely. A clear demonstration of your desire to rebuild any burnt bridges will encourage them to rescind that negative reference.

Explain the situation to the potential employer

What if your former employer is not willing to discuss the situation with you? In that case, explain it to the potential employer. Tell them that the reference will not be in your favour and explain the situation. Again, not the time to play the blame game. Don’t try to make excuses or accuse your former employer of wrong-doings. Simply accept responsibility for your part of the circumstances. It takes a level of maturity to accept your mistakes without excuses or placing the blame elsewhere.

That said, also look into getting more positive references from your colleagues from the same company. It will help to overset the original bad reference and would likely disprove the information.

Recieve your potential employer’s feedback

Once the potential employer has reached out to your references, you can contact them to ask about their feedback. This will give you the opportunity to hear the potential employer’s thoughts and address their concerns. For instance, you were often tardy at the former workplace. In which case, your former employer may mention that you are always late. Address this to your potential employer. Why were you late? Have you taken any steps to ensure that you are more punctual? Can you manage your time more effectively now compared to before?

Do some research first

If you are unsure of how a referee would act, you can test the waters first. Ask a trusted confidante to call your former employer and request a reference. Your friend can then let you know the feedback. Once you have the relevant information you can discuss the issue with your former employer if the reference is negative.