Bad reference from manager?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 11, 2017

Is it possible that you were given a bad reference? Yes, but it's also just as possible that the other candidates interviewed even better than you, had better references, and/or had more of the experience they were looking for.

snortypantz · Feb 11, 2017

Yes, of course. There could be a million reasons. Just seems strange to get to the reference check and not get the job (haven't ever had that happen before). I just wish I knew what it was so that I can improve myself and my skills.

crazin01 · Feb 17, 2017

Is it possible that you were given a bad reference? Yes, but it's also just as possible that the other candidates interviewed even better than you, had better references, and/or had more of the experience they were looking for.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

I'm also wondering if maybe the geographic location is producing more qualified candidates in one city or the other?

I wouldn't waste time & over analyze everything about your interview because you weren't selected for the position. Nor would I reach out the the previous managers to ask how they responded. I wouldn't personally be offended if I were the manager & you called to inquire about my response, however, I could see some getting offended if you would ask.

Cat365 · Feb 18, 2017

Do you know that they actually checked your references? Or are you assuming that they did?

snortypantz · Feb 19, 2017

Yes, of course. Perhaps the best course of action is to request an annual review from my big manager and try to pinpoint things I can improve upon (we all have them). I've been at my current job almost 2 years and have yet to have a review. I definitely wouldn't want to offend. I will most likely ask other managers for references in the future, though, just in case.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 28, 2017

Looking for recommendations as to if/how I can go about this...
I recently applied in an ER (want to relocate from Seattle to San Diego.. my hometown) and I thought I had a pretty solid resume/ton of experience. I did a telephone interview that I felt went awesome, and then the hospital asked for my references. I went to 3 coworkers and 2 current managers, requesting their permission for a reference. Everyone said of course, no problem, they would give me a good reference. So I was a little surprised today when I got an email from the job I wanted (after turning in the references) and was told that "although I interviewed well, they decided to go with other applicants at this time. We encourage you to apply again." Am I just being paranoid that I was given a poor reference?
I know that one of the questions that the hospital emailed to the references was "name 3 things the applicant can improve upon." Is it inappropriate to ask the 2 managers what they said? Of course next time I won't ask the same people, but I honestly am stumped.

There are many reasons you wouldn't get the job even if your references were impeccable. Perhaps they take internal candidates first. Perhaps they had 20 great interviewees for the one position and had to choose one. Perhaps they didn't want to pay someone to relocate. Perhaps they needed someone right away and you couldn't arrange to move to San Diego immediately.

Or perhaps your reference was poor. It could be that the person who gave it intended to give you a great reference and even thought that she did.

Years ago, I was asked to give a reference for anesthesia school for two nurses. The first was my orientee. She did a fabulous job, never made mistakes, had awesome critical thinking skills -- I truly believed she could walk on water and I thought that the reference I gave reflected that. The other was a little less gifted, less of a team player, a little lazier . . . but when she asked me to give her a reference, she included a packet of her goals, experiences, strengths and weaknesses along with the "buzzwords" that the school was looking for. After I wrote her reference, I realized that the reference I gave my former orientee was pale by comparison. I've been kicking myself for that for ten years. Fortunately, they both got into anesthesia school and the first nurse never knew that my reference probably did not help her.