Job application evaluation process has undergone a sea change. Bad /not so good references is likely to have negative impact on how prospective employers consider your application.
In today’s connected world, employees are more inclined to share their experiences about their previous job roles: be it how office politics impacted them harassment, abuse, no learning experience or how they felt left or burnt out. They may also be willing to quit their employer because they consider leadership team incompetent, dishonest or you have toxic manager.
So are reference check a sound way for make or break situation. It seems quite unfair for employers. They have done all the background research, prepared well for the interview & got offer letter. However, one bad reference can spoil all the efforts.
If employee does not goes well with his/her manager, the best strategy would be mention about it during the next round of interview. He should share about difficult relationship he managed with his/her managed & how his skill set can be a win-win situation for both him & prospective employer.
How do you put your best foot forward to eliminate /reduce chances of references turning bad?
- Evaluate your reference: If you feel that your manager may not give a positive view about your profile, figure out other referees who shall speak good about your skills & give positive opinion about your candidature. If you think they need to be reminded of your success stories, share with them your list of achievements.
- Cultivate relationships: Network & maintain good rapport with other colleagues & managers at senior position in your current organisation, so that you can leverage your relationship with them at the right time.
- Be candid: Talk freely about your apprehension that your current manager may not be the best judge of your skills & experience. Do not lie & blame. Share the challenges you faced in your previous/current job & what steps you have taken to move up your learning curve.
- Leverage your LinkedIn profile: Modern day organisations does not solely rely on references. They are competent enough to take cues/gather evidences from your LinkedIn profile which integrates your recommendations & endorsements.
