(Note: If you missed Part 1 of “The Unexpected Phone Call”, read it here.) Most people feel they can count on a reference from a previous employer to help them secure a position with a new employer.  The longer you are part of the work force; however, the greater the chances are that you left at least one employer on unfavorable terms.  What can you do when a potential employer calls your previous employer and receives unfavorable information about your performance?

If the information passed on is malicious, there may be legal recourse; however pursuing a legal remedy takes time and money. Both are resources you may lack, especially if you have been out of work for several months. Sometimes, finding a simple solution is better than seeking a more complex one.

My point is as follows: it is imperative that you choose your references carefully. A poor relationship with a former supervisor can be a major obstacle to re-employment. By choosing dependable references (and possibly give your prospective employer a “heads up” regarding conflicts with a previous supervisor), you can turn the odds for re-employment back in your favor.

Last time, Beverly (or Bev for short) received a call from an individual at her previous position.  Although Bev was sure that her former boss, Mary, would give her a good reference, Bev found out that it was, in fact, Mary who was sabotaging her job search.  How would Bev conquer this problem?  Please read on…

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(Writer’s Preface) I have gone through a great deal of ups and downs in this experience we call job search.  The one I am writing about today does not belong to me; it belongs to one of my network contacts.  I made some minor changes to preserve the anonymity of those involved.  I felt, however that my contact’s experience is worth sharing.  Although I would not wish this experience on anyone, it shows how one of the worst obstacles to re-employment can be resolved. 

The Unexpected Phone Call:  Part One

It was a Friday Morning during the month of March.  Beverly (most of her friends call her Bev) was starting her day.  She was unemployed for eight months, and never expected her time between jobs to last this long.  Bev was never one to give in to persecution complexes; however she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone out there was inhibiting her attempts at re-employment. 

During the past months, Bev had several interviews; however the result was always the same.  She would be called in for a first interview, and in most cases she would be given a follow up interview.  Bev would always e-mail thank you letters and follow up with every prospective employer.  Despite her follow up calls, Bev would not receive responses from many prospective employers, even when they promised to give her a fast answer about the position she applied for.  Eventually, some employers told her that the position she applied for was filled, and refused to give any further details.  Bev would always ask follow up questions as to why she did not get the job, however she never received any information that would point to a specific reason.

On this particular morning Bev would discover the main reason why she never received employment offers…

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