During a job interview, you will probably have to answer several questions about your work experience. Your potential employer will want to verify your statements and gather opinions about your work performance from others. She will likely ask you about employer references she can contact before the company makes a hiring decision. You should prepare for questions about employer references before the interview. Ideally, you want to direct your potential employer to reach out to the best contacts and avoid individuals who may have a negative opinion of you.
Step 1
Talk to the individuals you plan to use as employer references before the interview. You should ask past supervisors or managers with whom you had a good working relationship. Tell them who you are and remind them of your position was at the time of your employment. If they seem hesitant, try to find someone else at the company who may be more willing to give you a positive reference.
Step 2
Prepare a list of employer references to give to your interviewer if he requests it. He will already have your work history from your resume, but a list of references can direct him to contact specific individuals. If he simply calls up a past employer to ask about you, he may speak to someone who has little knowledge of your work or who might give a harmful review.
Step 3
Decide if you want the company with whom you are interviewing to contact your current employer. Most companies understand the delicate position of letting your existing employer know that you are seeking employment elsewhere. If your interviewer asks about contacting your boss at your present place of employment, you can state that you would rather she wait until you have received a job offer.
Step 4
Be honest if a past employer terminated you or if you walked away from a job on unpleasant terms. If your interviewer specifically asks about contacting a company that you are certain would give an unfavorable reference, it is best for you to give your side of the story first. Briefly explain the reason you employment ended, without placing blame on your previous boss or coworkers. Next, put a positive spin on the situation by explaining lessons you learned from the experience.
Tips and Warnings
- If a past employer gives you a bad reference that is not true and causes you not to get the job, you can file a lawsuit for defamation of character; however, it is not against the law to give a negative reference is it is true and accurate. To avoid potential lawsuits, some companies have policies in place to limit the release of information about past employees to basic facts, such as employment dates and job titles. You can contact former places of employment to inquire about their policy on references before your interview. (see reference #3)
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