Do I list my previous boss as a reference?

[reginajbrown]

Dear Friends,

Would you help point me in the right direction of what my next move should be?

I was working as a chemist for a large Specialty Gas corporation for eight years. The last three years have been pretty tough. My boss and I boss have had real problems getting along with each other over the past two years . So much so that I brought the Human Resource director in on the problem to help rectify what I was perceiving as disparate treatment. He brought in an independent Conflict Specialist.

The end result is that the HR director offered me a buyout package of two extra months of pay if I would sign an agreement stating that I would not sue. I did. I just wanted to get out; my nerves were tired of the daily workouts.

I was told by others that I should always list my most recent manager and peers I worked with as references. And if I didn't, that would look very suspicious to a new prospective employer. How would you handle this? I don't trust my previous boss. Who knows what she will infer in the course of the conversation. I really need a little guidance. I'll be looking for a job in the Philadelphia area which is very conservative, so I've been told.

My severants package will be running out by the end of April and I've got to secure a job. Please assist me in any way you can. Any guidance or direction you point me in will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

 

[SAK2000]

Since you were there for 8 years, I think you are definitely going to have to list your employment on you resume. I'm sure you'll also want to show the 8 years of experience that you acquired while at that job.

I would find out what the job reference procedure is for that company. Most companies nowadays are hesitant to give out a lot of information due to legal ramifications. They will usually only verify dates of employment and salary. Some of your potential employers will probably ask your former employer if you are eligible for rehire and your former employer may say yes or no.

Hopefully "cbg" will respond to your post. He/She is much better at this than I am. I am an Office Manager and know basic HR policies and procedures but even those depend on what company you work for.

Good Luck in your job seach!!!

 

[cbg]

While you need to list your previous employment, you are not required to list your previous boss as a reference. On the other hand, a potential employer is not required to have your permission to call for a reference.

As an HR Manager, my advise would be first, to line up someone else within the company who has knowledge of your work to give as a reference (possibly someone in HR, or your boss's boss). Then, in the course of the interview, I would explain that there might be an issue with your previous supervisor and hit the high points of why. You don't need to go into great detail, but enough so that a potential employer understands your point of view before they get to your boss.

I have a lot of employees in the Philadelphia area and I don't think the region is any more or less conservative than any other area; like all regions, it depends on the employer.