How do you handle a bad reference from a previous employer?

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by Xiaogou

More like her attorney should talk to the principal. If the Union is useless, she could make enough noise to get his ass bagged.
The thing with attorney's is what problem is it going to solve? The attorney can't actually get her job back and can't force the principal to give a glowing recommendation.

Originally Posted by Bhowie

The best advice I can give you so she can get back in is to sub. She needs to get to know exactly what a school is looking for and subbing is the best way to do this.
Already have her going down that path. Interim job postings as well. My real hope is that a position will open up after a month or two - new baby, move to another state, etc.. Then she can slide right in.

 

[globetrotter]

basically, the only thing to do is say "I have worked 25 years for several imployers, and I the last one had a problem with me. I have several others that give me good references, and I can explain why the last one is trashing me" good luck

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

basically, the only thing to do is say "I have worked 25 years for several imployers, and I the last one had a problem with me. I have several others that give me good references, and I can explain why the last one is trashing me" good luck
I don't know Globe. If I was interviewing someone, and I heard that, I'd be put off. Plus, there really is no "proof". This woman went on a subversive campaign to get her fired, and succeeded, but it was all kosher.

 

[blackjack]

Originally Posted by Rambo

The thing with attorney's is what problem is it going to solve? The attorney can't actually get her job back and can't force the principal to give a glowing recommendation.



Already have her going down that path. Interim job postings as well. My real hope is that a position will open up after a month or two - new baby, move to another state, etc.. Then she can slide right in.

True - however, retaining a good attorney might prevent poor references in the future.

Although it certainly did not appear to be raised by her former employers to the principal in question, when I am asked to provide a reference on any former staff, I have received advice not to indicate anything specifically negative as it could allow the former employee to sue us for damages etc. I do not know how realistic or common that threat actually is -- all I know is that it is a concern within most corporate environments. That's also why any lukewarm reference I receive is generally interpreted as a negative one.

 

[Milpool]

Company policy everywhere I've worked was to direct reference checkers to HR.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by Milpool

Company policy everywhere I've worked was to direct reference checkers to HR.

Schools don't have HR departments.