Question:

I'm currently working for a large university. I've been in the same position for two years and have always had excellent performance reviewed. I've unsuccessfully applied and interviewed for numerous positions within the organization for which I work. I was just told by a reliable source that my manager may be trying to keep me from leaving his department by giving incorrect information to interviewers or asking them not to hire me. How should I deal with this?

First Answer:

Don't believe anything you heard second hand. Check and see if the allegations are true! Ask someone you trust call up and ask for a reference from this manager, and see what his or her response really is. No one in a position of authority should be allowed to operate this way! If you find that this boss really is sabotaging your job search by saying untrue and negatives things about you, this is unethical, perhaps, illegal behavior. You will want to make sure that the company knows what's happening to you. You will also want to change your reference so that another manager, or just the human resources representative, speaks for you as a company reference. If you are pressed to get a comment directly out of your immediate supervisor One good way to off the issue of negative references from a potentially hostile boss is by providing a printed sheet of references withyour resume to prospective employers. General letters of reference can also be included with this list, and they're another good reinforcement. If the interviewer says: "I don't see your immediate supervisor on this list" you can explain: "I don't work very closely with (boss) but I DO work closely with (name of colleague). S/he really knows my work and my reporting relationships best."

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.

Second Answer:

There are several options that you can look at depending on how accurate the information is you are receiving and your relationship with your supervisor.

I believe it is important to first validate any "rumors" you have heard about your boss. If these rumors are true, then you need to find out whether the people who told you about them would be willing to substantiate that testimony if you should decide to file a grievance. If you have a good working relationship with your boss, make a formal appointment to talk to him/her about the situation. If, after having done that, you have not been able to resolve this issue, make an appointment to talk with your Human Resource/ EEOC officer. Often they can help mediate employment situations.

Make sure that you are well qualified for the positions you are applying for. Speaking from the background of working in a college setting, I have often seen employees who "thought they were well qualified for positions" apply. In many cases, the employee did not have some of the necessary skills/experience needed for the position. Many times they could not understand why they are not being hired.

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Third Answer:

Have you spoken directly to anyone that has interviewed you to determine why or what were their reasons for not offering you an opportunity? You may reveal a pattern confirming that news you received or you may learn more about yourself that can help you to be more successful in your transitioning. Use this experience to learn and grow and use this new knowledge to better manage your career including being aware of your supervisor and his motives.

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations.

Fourth Answer:

Looking on the bright side, if what your source tells you is true, it probably means your manager considers you a valuable employee and doesn't want to lose you. But it sounds as though it's time for a serious talk with your manager. Talk to him about your aspirations. Ask him if he supports your career advancement. You might also explore the possibility that you could achieve advancement without leaving your current unit. If your boss really considers you such a valuable employee, he may move heaven and earth to promote you into a better position within the department. Maybe he doesn't know you're only trying to advance your career; maybe his nose is out of joint because he thinks you don't like working with him. And maybe you don't, but be as positive as possible in anything you say about your current situation. And don't accuse him of trying to sabotage you. Just have an honest heart-to-heart and see if you can enlist his support either within your department or outside it.

-- Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters.

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