Any body ever have to get creative about a job reference?

[NoSheep]

my saga continues.....
I've had to threaten to blow the whistle on my cheatin' boss in order to get him to pay employment taxes. He called the IRS, told them he'd "made a mistake" by classifying me as an independent contractor and they're gonna make him pay, but now I have no reference from the past 28 months of employment. All other references are good. I'm thinking about asking our accountant to at least varify that I was employed there and am a competent bookkeeper. I'm pretty worried I will go through hell to get another job. Anyone experienced in this type thing?

[ewagner]

1. Yes....sort of ugly situation

Long time ago....I confronted my boss about bouncing my paychecks...we got into a fight and I left....a few months later, I needed a reference and found out that:

1. The business was closed.
2. The boss had left his wife and kids
3. The boss had run off WITH MY SECRETARY!
4. Payroll taxes had not been paid in 6 months.

Bosses whereabouts unknown to this day.....

Try explaining all that to a potential employer...I did, but it wasn't easy.....

[Horse with no Name]

2. Best thing to do is

is level with your new employer if they ask.
Anyone that has any ethics would totally understand what you had to do (if they don't understand, not sure I would want to work for them).
Would also tell them that the accountant can attest to your work as your supervisor.
Good luck. Best policy is to be as honest as you can.

[NoSheep]

3. Thanks. I want to do just that-but am a little scared I guess.

[Horse with no Name]

4. By telling this truth

The only asshole is your boss.
I can't think of anyone else that was in your position who wouldn't have done the same thing.
You paid your taxes--your employer pocketed them then showed you as a contract employee.
That would have made you responsible for thousands in interest and penalties.

[uppityperson]

5. Figure out a way to say it giving yourself the high ground.

For instance, "my old employer was a bottom feeding scumsucker who lied and stole and cheated and no one was able to put up with his bs for as long as I did. He had a problem with me when I righteously turned his lying ass into the authorities. I hope he rots in hell for all the pain and trouble he has caused me", while technically accurate is probably not going to get you any new jobs. Speaking from being on the hiring side and hearing people's stories.

Explain that there were unethical behaviors going on that were causing difficulties, give a reference of someone else you worked with or for and avoid badmouthing or giving more details than they need to know. It sounds like you are better off out of there and I hope you find something better soon.

[pacalo]

6. This should be helpful...

http://www.workplacefairness.org/index.php?page=references&agree=yes

I was told years ago that it was illegal for employers to give unfavorable job references to prospective employers. Apparently, I was wrong. Sorry, NoSheep. Hope the site above is helpful. Good luck. :hi:

[lukasahero]

7. It's not illegal but most companies refrain from giving any actual

reference at all because of the potential for legal action in the event the former employee gets denied the job for which the reference was given. They (meaning the actual HR dept) generally stick to confirming dates of employment and salary. (In fact, in the companies I've worked for, we could only confirm or deny a given salary figure - offering the amount was a no-no.)

Regarding the OP's original question, if this is about an actual reference, you can (and should) provide any potential employer your list of references and just leave this boss off that list. A true "reference" (as opposed to "yes she/he worked here from this period to that") is often not going to be your actual boss. A good person to use as a reference is a "customer" or "client" either inside or outside of your company since it speaks to how they feel about working with you and the work you did.

It's hardly uncommon any more for people to not use a boss as a reference (people searching for work wouldn't want the boss to know) so most interviewers accept a simple "I'd rather you not contact so-and-so." In any case, omit or tell the truth but don't lie or embellish.

[NoSheep]

8. Thanks-that link was helpful.