Dear Cindy – Bad References

Ever since I got laid off from my previous employer I have not been able to get a decent job. My former boss was always in my shoulder for one thing or another. I always felt that he wanted to get rid of me, and I never knew how to react when he approached me with any kind of problem that was arising at work, and I always had to be the one to blame. I have been searching for a job for over a year and I have not been successful because of his negative references.

Sincerely,

RG

You're in a very difficult position. First, try to find alternate references. Did your former supervisor have an assistant who could provide a reference, or was there someone who was ever acting in the role of supervisor (e.g., during vacations) who could provide you with a reference?

Otherwise, an important thing to do is to "head him off at the pass." Since it sounds like you are getting interviews, you have to sell yourself well at the interview and prepare the interviewer for what your former boss will say about you. Explain clearly, professionally, and without sounding defensive or accusatory about why you feel you were let go. You can say that you don't entirely agree with what your former boss says about you, but again, don't get defensive and don't make accusations.

Put a positive spin on things and address the negative things that your former boss is saying. For example, you could explain what have you learned about yourself, your field, and/or work ethic since you were let go. Or suppose your former boss says that your problems involved personality conflicts. You could explain what you've done to improve yourself, such as working on communicating better or being more diplomatic in dealing with senior staff. Or suppose your former boss says that you didn't get your work done on time. You could explain how you have been working on learning how to prioritize work better.

Best of luck!