Dear Aunty,
I was dismissed from my role as Stores Supervisor on the grounds of shortages even though I had highlighted the causes of the variance.
Should I use the company as a reference even though I was dismissed?
Aunty says,
I am sorry to hear that you were dismissed from your role due to variances that you had highlighted. I assume that the door is now firmly closed on you returning to this role? If this is the case then you are right to think about the best way to manage the reference from your former employer.
Most organisations request the names and contact details of 2 or 3 references as part of the recruitment process. However, how this information is utilised varies from organisation to organisation. Whilst some organisations will not follow up on the references you provide others will request information. The information requested can vary from organisation to organisation. Some organisations just want to verify your job title and employment dates, whilst others will want more detailed information, including confirmation of the accuracy of the information contained in your application as well as information on your character.
It is worth pointing out that recruitment decisions are rarely based on the strength of references alone and in most cases references are only requested once you have been offered the job. By the time you reach the job offer stage you will have had plenty of chances to impress your potential future employer therefore the reference check should be of less significance. Also, in my experience it is becoming increasingly common for references to only confirm basic information such as employment dates, job title etc.
So should you include this former employer as a reference?
In my mind there are a number of options open to you. These include options listed in no particular order:
- Do not include your former employer as a reference in the hope that the recruiter will not find out about your dismissal (The problem with this approach is that there will be an obvious gap in your references).
- Include your former employer and hope that the recruiter only requests limited information.
- Meet with your old employer and try to negotiate a suitable reference.
- Seek out a colleague at your old company who will give you a more favorable reference.
- Ensure that your other references and any character references show you in a more accurate and positive light.
If the worst does come to the worst, be absolutely honest about what happened. Put forward your version of events and remain professional in your manner. Remember that recruitment decisions are rarely based on the strength of references alone and in most cases references are only requested once you have been offered the job – by which time you should have had plenty of chances to impress
I hope that this information will be of use to you as always it would be useful to get the opinion of our community as I am sure that they will also have some ideas for you.
Aunty
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What are your views on this dilemma? Should he leave and take his dream job? You can share your comments below.
Why not share your views?
What are your views on this dilemma? Should he leave and take his dream job? You can share your comments below.
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