How to Land Your Next Job
When Former Employers Won’t Answer the Phone
Leaving a long-term position in the private service industry can be challenging, especially when your former supervisor or employer refuses to verify your employment or provide a reference. This situation is the thing nightmares are made of and potentially impacts your future job prospects. However, there are several professional and creative ways to navigate this issue and continue to present yourself as a strong candidate for new opportunities.
Steps to Handling the Situation
First Steps:
- Understand the Reasons: Start by trying to understand why your former employer has yet to provide a reference or verify your employment. This could be due to company policy, a negative experience, being out of the office, or other personal reasons. Understanding the reason may help you address the issue more effectively and guide your next steps.
- Send a Message: Draft an email and cc ALL potential contacts. The message is to inform them that you are applying for work and need to know their preferred method of contact for employment verification and references. Often, including the “non-supervisory” employers in such a message will inform them that you are in need of assistance. If emails go unanswered, you could try text or phone calls.
Seek Alternate References:
- Colleagues and Peers: Reach out to former colleagues, peers, or other staff members who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and character. Their testimonials can be valuable, especially if they held supervisory roles or worked closely with you.
- Vendors and Contractors: If you worked closely with vendors, contractors, or other third parties during your tenure, they might be willing to provide a reference based on their interactions.
- Staffing Agents: The Agent who placed you in the role often has a deep understanding of your work history, skills, and professionalism and may be willing to vouch for you or provide a reference. At a minimum, they can confirm the legitimacy of the placement.
Consider Legal Recourse:
- Know Your Rights: In some jurisdictions, employers are required to verify employment or provide a reference. If you believe your rights have been violated, consult an employment lawyer to explore your options.
- Negotiate an Agreement: If legal action isn’t an option, consider negotiating with your former employer for a neutral reference or simple employment verification, such as confirming your dates of employment and job title without additional commentary.
Future Interviews
Explain the Situation Professionally:
- Be Transparent: When applying for new positions, be honest about the situation with potential employers. Explain that your former employer has a policy or other reason for not providing references and offer alternative references or documentation.
- Focus on the Positive: Emphasize the positive aspects of your experience and how it has prepared you for future roles. Highlight your skills, achievements, and dedication to your work.
Preventative Measures
Build your PSA Reference Vault™:
- Personal Career Page: Create a personal career page highlighting your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Include verified references from clients or colleagues to showcase your portfolio.
Domestic Staffing Agencies:
- Know Your Agents: One of the benefits of creating and maintaining relationships with trusted staffing agencies is the support they can offer in such situations. Additionally, they can provide guidance on approaching new job opportunities and presenting yourself in the best light, even without a traditional reference.
Document Your Work:
- Create a Portfolio: Compile a portfolio of your work, including any projects you managed, events you organized, or specific accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise and contributions. This tangible evidence can be persuasive when references are not available.
- Keep Records: Maintain records of your employment, such as contracts, emails, or performance reviews, that can serve as proof of your experience. These documents can be used to verify your employment in the absence of a formal reference.
Negotiate Future Contracts:
- Annual Reviews + References: Add a clause to future employment contracts requesting a fresh letter of reference highlighting the past year with each yearly review. Such documents support your career goals and can be used without an exit letter of reference.
Leverage LinkedIn Recommendations:
- Request Recommendations: Use LinkedIn to request recommendations from former colleagues, clients, or other contacts. These public endorsements can be a valuable substitute for a traditional reference and add credibility to your profile.
Networking and Industry Involvement:
- Join Industry Associations: Engage with professional organizations (like PSA) and associations within the private service industry. Networking with other professionals can help you learn best practices and create volunteer opportunities to showcase your skills.
- Attend Events and Conferences: Participate in industry events, workshops, and conferences where you can connect with potential peers and industry leaders who can vouch for your expertise.
Freelancing and Consulting:
- Offer Your Services: Consider freelancing or consulting within the industry. Short-term projects or assignments can help you build a new network and gain fresh references based on your recent work.
Summing It Up
While it can be disheartening when a former employer refuses to verify your employment or provide a reference, there are many ways to overcome this obstacle. By seeking alternative references, documenting your work, and leveraging preventative strategies, you can continue to present yourself as a strong candidate for your next role. Remember, your skills, experience, and professionalism speak volumes, and with the right approach, you can navigate this challenge successfully.
By Natalie Hudson, Founder + President of Private Service Alliance
© 2024 Private Service Alliance, all rights reserved
The content provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, the information may not apply to all individual circumstances or address specific situations. Readers should not rely solely on the content here but should seek professional guidance tailored to their specific needs, particularly in legal, financial, or employment matters. The blog and its authors are not responsible for any actions based on this information. Links to external sites are for reference purposes, and PSA is not responsible for the content or accuracy of external sources.
