Job applicant rejected after former boss gave a scathing reference: 'I thought we were on good terms'

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Dec 6, 2024 4:00 PM EST

Applying for jobs is always a brutal process, and most candidates need all the help they can get. That's why it's especially upsetting that this former employee who was recently let go received a savage reference from their former employer, who had made it seem like they were on good terms. Of course, if they weren't, the Redditor would never have listed their ex-boss as a reference in the first place.

Let's also take this opportunity to remind ourselves how references can be useful and how they can be unnecessary, as the Redditor was all but assured that they were a strong candidate for this new position. In fact, their other references gave glowing feedback, and the recruiter confessed, albeit unjustly, that the main reason why the candidate didn't land the job was because of that one ex-boss and anecdotes they gave. What's even worse is that the ex-boss claimed the employee was incapable of fulfilling tasks that were never a part of their responsibilities when they were working there. Clearly, this dude was on a mission to sabotage the Redditor's prospects, and for that, we hope karma rears its head one day.

For more stories like this, take a look at this post about coworkers who got fired almost immediately. 

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  • 02
    My former employer fired me, acted like we were in good terms & destroyed me when a recruiter asked for references
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 03
    The title says it all basically. I had a very good opportunity for a job, the recruiter liked me but they absolutely wanted a reference from my last employer. I though we were in good terms, I had coffee with my former boss, we talked about the job and the call, she didn't say a thing and seemed enthusiastic for me.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 04
    Just today the recruitment agency called me to tell me I didn't get the job, and told me the whole thing. My former boss told stuff she didn't even tell me. Like I didn't know how to manage a budget while I never had to when I worked for her. The agency was puzzled, because my other references were really good, but it was too late for the job.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 05
    The news completely crushed me. I thought getting fired was already a hard thing to manage, and now I can't count on my only reference in Canada. I was thinking about erasing this job from my resume but a first working experience is important to find a job here. I was already struggling to find a new job, I
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 06
    only have a year and a half left for my visa and I'm afraid it scares some potential recruiters. I don't know if it's the last straw which will make me give up and go back to my home country. I'll gladly except some advice but I just needed to vent about it.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    zuma1597 15 hr. ago You can sue, my old boss got sued and lost. Found out you can't say anything bad about an employee only whether or not you worked there and for how long.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 08
    Your ex boss cost you money and a lawyer would like to help you recover your losses for a percentage.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 09
    OldGrumpyHag OP 15 hr. ago Thanks for the advice! I had no idea it was illegal. I have to think about it, I'm broke and a foreign worker, it makes everything more difficult to manage.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 10
    Ok_Cap3087 16 hr. ago That might be illegal
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    OldGrumpyHag OP. 15 hr. ago Apparently it is! I had no idea, I'm completely unfamiliar with references check
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    redhottea 13 hr. ago Look, I run a small tech business in Canada and if you'd like then DM me and I'll always provide a great reference for whatever timeframe you need. This goes for anyone else in the comments too. They wanna ☐ around we should too.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    ReferenceSwimming741. 13 hr. ago Now this is what I like. Giving them a good ol' taste of their own medicine. Doesn't mean that we the employee are bad. We just sick and tired of these games and double standard hypocrisy mindset.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    OldGrumpyHag OP. 12 hr. ago I wish employers would have to provide reference check from employees
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    Acrobatic-Expert-507 14 hr. ago to Why? Why? Why the ex-employers so this? AllIIIII they can do is confirm employment and confirm dates. What a waffle.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    OldGrumpyHag OP 14 hr. ago Yeah I thought we were in good terms, and she would say neutral things....
    via OldGrumpyH*g
  • 17
    Stambro1 15 hr. ago Make sure they get a statement from the recruiter!!!
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    JackalRampant 13 hr. ago. You have been subjected to defamation and can sue your former employer for slander. There is a reason why the only question should be "Is (former employee) eligible for rehire?" The only acceptable answers
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    are "(Former employee) is eligible for rehire" or "(Company) has a do not rehire policy for all employees regardless of termination or resignation." Anything else said can become a legal issue. Get a lawyer. Cry litigate! And let slip the dogs of law.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    sorean_4 12 hr. ago Have a friend call for a reference check. Make up a company, record the conversation and go directly to a lawyer.
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    Feisty_Elfgirl_5258 12 hr. ago I had a 'mentor' do the same thing to me. Completely ruined my reputation in the field. It big time. But you will find something better and they can go screw themselves
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    OldGrumpyHag OP 12 hr. ago. I'm sorry it happened to you! It must be very hard. I hope things are better for you now
    via OldGrumpyH*g
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    gordo623 15 hr. ago You can't share anything about an ex employee... they ask you very specific questions that are job related... answers are usually yes or no. I'd out of it. litigate the
    via OldGrumpyH*g

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