problem getting references

[squiperly]

I quit my job last summer after working for the same company for 7 years. I had very little training and no prospect of promotion due to the structure of the company. I then found another job, but it was out of the frying pan into the fire - I wasn't given anything to do really, so I told them I was going to leave. I was only there 3 weeks, they turned very unfriendly, but as I was doing jobshare I agreed to cover for the other lady while she was on leave. I was sick (with worry if I'm honest) and rang in sick but said I'd be in next day. The boss's secretary rang me back and said "Don't bother coming back at all!" in a very hostile manner, and that was the last I heard apart from my payslip coming in the post.

I'm really worried now that I won't be able to get another job, because either I'll get a bad reference or none at all. My previous employer would give me a glowing ref, but application forms always want to know about the most recent employer. What should I do?

[kevb0444]

Hi...when a company gives you a reference they have to be honest and fair. When you go for an interview for a new job explain why you left your last job, that you were unhappy with not being pushed to your full potential. Show them you were eager to work but your last employers were not getting the most out of you. If needs be ask them to check with the people you worked with for 7 years. Don't over do it but let them know you like to get the most out of a job and you felt that wasn't happening at your last place of work.

[WoWo]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, just be honest and say you were there for 3 weeks and give that wasn't long enough for them to form a lasting impression on them it wouldn't be worth asking them for a reference.