Have You Had an Unfairly Given Bad Reference From a Previous Employer — Recruitment
Have You Had an Unfairly Given Bad Reference From a Previous Employer? — Recruitment
Departing employees can often be put in a precarious position in terms of getting references from their current employer that accurately reflect their capability and worth. In cases where the employee feels unfairly treated and has requested for a neutral or positive, but fact-based reference, however, the employer refuses, often citing potential legal risk, this can be a challenging situation.
What To Do If You’re facing A Bad Reference
If you are facing a negative or bad reference from your previous employer, you have a few options available to you.
1.Negotiate a More Positive Reference
If you have a good relationship with your former employer, you can use this to negotiate a more positive reference. Consider communicating your grievances in a constructive manner, which will show you are open to honest feedback, to create a bridge between you and your former employers.
2.Use Alternative Forms of Credibility
If a more positive reference is not deemed possible, you can use alternative means such as your academic qualifications, awards and certifications from relevant industry bodies you possess. You could also supply strong references from colleagues or superiors who are not your managers or those in direct contact with your previous employer.
3.Utilize the Legal System
If all else fails, you could consider taking legal action in the event of receiving an unfair reference. Although this can be a long and expensive process, you can pursue this avenue if you have evidence of malicious and/or untrue statements from your former employer.
Finding yourself in such a situation can be extremely frustrating and can impact your career in the short to long term. However, if you have been unfairly treated and given a bad reference, you should know that your options are not limited. Communication, alternative forms of credibility, and utilizing legal regulations are all valid ways to address bad references, to ensure that your prospective employers get to know you and your work history accurately.
