Reference from previous employer... Problem?

[tequilamock]

Hi. I was offered my dream job yesterday, subject to references. I left my previous employer at the end of a summer contract, and had a problem with my Manager - who was a bully. I am going to make an official complaint, but am holding off for the moment... for obvious reasons! I gave his Boss as the referee, and, whilst he has agreed to give me a reference, it will merely be to confirm dates I worked there. I have emailed my new company and explained that this reference will come direct from HR (which is true) and, for a personal reference, they should speak to another Supervisor at the same company (who is actually my union rep and is happy to give this).

Question is - will this raise any alarm bells? Should I be concerned...? I have also given another ex employer as a referee - who will give a glowing one!

thanks!

[redman41]

The more Positive references you can get to back up your Job application the better. Past Employers should only give honest assessments of your work History regardless of any clashes of personality that may have occured in the workplace. These happen often but should not detract from the quality of your work which is what all Employers are looking for.

[tequilamock]

Thanks. He is, however, not going to make any comment or assessment on my work at all. He will merely provide the dates I worked there. Do you think this would give my new employers any cause for concern, or should the fact that I have also given a second person within the organisation for a personal reference help...?

[Addy123]

It shouldn't. It perfectly feasible to explain that the Supervisor you suggested worked more closely with you and is therefore better qualified to comment, whereas the HR person would only be able to confirm dates that you worked, sick record etc.

[tequilamock]

Thanks - I think that sounds feasible too...

[Thunderchild]

at then end of the day if neccesary be honest, it goes a long way if in doubt, I'm sure that if your forced into the full explanation and your quite open and factual (no personal comments about the person himself) your prospective employer will be understanding, you've already got another glowing reference and there's only one person in the last place that seems to have a problem with you.