Dealing with bad reference from a biased company?

Question

I quit my job to go back to school (gave plenty of notice, left on good terms so I thought). My boss has never liked me and found every excuse in the book to write me up so I have a file the size of a novel. I applied for a substitute teaching license and got denied because I have to use him as a reference since he was my last boss. They didn't come right out and say it but hinted that I got a bad reference. I did excellent in the interview and have the requirements to sub. HR at the company is biased and sides with him so I can't go to them for help. I can't get a job using him as a reference but I need to put that company down because I worked there almost 4 years. Any advice? I'm getting my teaching credentials so thats why I was applying for a sub job - but I've applied for others and have been turned down as well.

Answer 1

You might want to think about seeking legal advise on this matter.  Sounds as though your prior boss took a slandering to your character and was able to manipulate the paperwork with your departure from the company.  Who knows what he suggested on the exiting documents - might be worth your time to pursue legal action and have those documents suphenod to put your suspicions at ease.  It seems to me if you've been turned downed more than 2 or 3 times trying to hire on as a sub maybe something from your past is haunting you and you need to take action to fix it... after all we are talking about your llivelihood aren't we???

Answer 2

If your ex-boss can't back up his claims you can consider legal action.  Most companies these days only confirm the dates of employment for ex-employees because of successful lawsuits when a company gives a bad recommendation.  Talk to a lawyer or legal aid.  You might be able to make him pay for his bias.