Posted on 06/16/2013 11:15:36 AM PDT by ak267
I'm in the process of interviewing for a job and the application lists references (which I listed) but they want to talk with former employers. NE has a law stating that former employers can talk about former employees (within certain bounds).
A few years ago, I had falling out with a former boss where she verbally snapped at me (within ear shot of other workers). In addition, I was having problems with my father's health (terminal cancer) and the closing out of his estate (messy situation).
I explained my condition to the HR department and I offered two weeks notices. Considering the economic climate and layoffs at my workplace (and my situation) they allowed me to leave that day.
Now, I don't now how to explain this to a potential employer.
Advice?
Be honest about it. If it is a one time issue, then it is probably no problem. Also, if you have been changing jobs a lot it may raise a red flag.
If you are an “At will” employee, you may want to look elsewhere...otherwise, have fun with it in your next interview.
If you must explain (it’s not clear you need to), the way you did just now should be fine. You say it was a few years ago? I hope you have more recent employers because a prospective employer would be far more interested in what they would have to say.
Be honest about it without bashing, keep it short.
Downplay the incident, and use as a reference someone at that job with whom you enjoyed a better relationship. Especially helpful would be someone now in a supervisory position. Especially important: Prospective employers can generally ask the question: “If a suitable opening were to occur, would you hire this person to fill it?” Find someone in your old workplace who and answer in the affirmative.
Any chance you could plead ignorance and say that the supervisor who worked at that company may have moved on? Lacking a name at that company, perhaps these other individuals may be of more interest to the company which is presently interviewing you? I wouldn’t suggest lying, but why not play a little dumb? You are not mandated to turn over names of people who may hurt your chances.
Yes, employed right now . I left my previous place a few years ago and got a job a few months later when the funeral/estate was taken care off.
Closing down a farm wasn’t as easy I though it would be.
Whats wrong with saying you left the company in order to deal with your father’s affairs? Unless your ex boss is a real vindictive jerk she’ll not sabotage your opportunity.
Don’t use that supervisor as a reference... not in today’s job market...
Your former employer can say two things: yes you worked for them and a. they would hire you back b. they would not hire you back - that’s it.
Your ex-manager on the other hand might not be so smart..........
I worked in HR for over 30 years and the corporate mandated policy for all plants was that any time an employment verification request came in to HR, the only information we were allowed to give out, with the employee/ex-employee's written authorization, was dates of employment and job position held and reason for leaving. No further explanation was permitted......
If it should come up, I’d explain it just the way you did here, honestly and sincerely.
There’s an adage in sales, overcome the objection (answer it) then instill the need (in this case, your value as an employee.)
Best of luck!
You apparently have had other job(s) since that incident.
Unless you are specifically asked about it, just list the reference.
They may not contact her.
If they do contact her, she might give a standard response. Many employers will not give a bad reference, for fear of lawsuits, should the applicant find out.
Those things are always tricky. If asked for details, just give your side. If not asked, don’t volunteer.
I didn’t list her a reference. My references are more current (Sr. Trainer, manager, Sr. Clerk/assistant supervisor). All of them see my work on day-to-day operations and I know they’ll give a good review (I asked for their permission to be references and they told me up front they’ll give a good review.
If I don’t get this job, I use it as a learning experience. It will still hurt because it would offer $2 more per hour than I’m currently making.
The new employer should be communicating with the old employers hr department. You left to settle your fathers estate.
Not a problem.
List me as a reference. I’ll cover you. :)
Wise former employers limit discussion of former employees to date of hire, date of departure and job accountabilities. Subjective assessments are strictly a no-no in HR world. If it’s a touchy, difficult situation with a fair amount of he-said she-said, resulting in a termination whether voluntary or involuntary, they may not even allow your former supervisor the opportunity to expose them to potential legal action.
So, be honest but idealize the circumstance. Avoid negative personal obserations and keep it to facts, not subjective opinion. You had a few differences with your former supervisor, that led you to the conclusion that seeking other opportunities was the best course of action to take and you did so.
If you have good experience and no other examples of such a situation, it shouldn’t really pose that large of a problem. If there are other instances, you’ll appear temperamental and petulant to the potential employer and it will pose a problem. They’d hire you if you were the only candidate they’re able to locate capable of carrying out the responsibilities of the position, and they had a very pressing need to fill that position.
Speak the truth but put yourself in the best light possible. Avoid personal comments, your former supervisor is an abstraction to them. There are poor supervisors, they’re well aware.
Good luck.
In my state, I understand, all the former employer can say is “yes, worked here,” and “worked here from such-and-such a date to such-and-such a date.”
Anything more than that and they are toast.
Yep, what former employers can say is really limited.
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