How to address a bad recommendation
ningcontentReprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com
HERNDON, VA — It happens to the best of job seekers – that one past supervisor with nothing good to say about you. Inevitably your job search may bring you around to that perpetual question – “Can we call your last supervisor?” How do you field that question with delicacy without giving up on the new job?
Consider the worst case scenario. What is the worst thing your supervisor would have to say about you? Do you have a difficult time getting to work on time? Why not use the interview as a chance to rave about how much more convenient your new workplace would be for you? Did you find yourself in over your head? “This job would be a great chance for me to learn new skills.” Make sure to emphasize that you are seeking out a better fit for your strengths where you can really shine.
If all fails, find reassurance. These days most employers will do little more than confirm dates of employment. Be sure to include other references who will be willing to rave about you and you can dodge that bad reference to win the job.
Article abridged from Careersearch.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!
