References

[TerpGal02, ASN]

I am worried about what a temp agency I worked for told HR for the job I was tentatively offered. I actually GOT a letter of rec from the VP of the company I was placed with and I was told today that he gave me a glowing reference but when they called the actual agency that placed me they had negative things to say. I worked here in my last semester of NS and had quite a few clinicals/course requirements that fell during normal business hours. This was made ABUNDANTLY clear to them when I registered with them. They still placed me and VP was underswtanding. Most of their temps are students, he likes helping students out. He had NO PROBLEM (even confirmed with his reference) with my attedance but it pparantly annoyed the agency. They never said anything to me about this. Then they siad I left b/c I didn't like the work environment.....NOT TRUE. The VP was very old school and had opposite political views to mine. He spouted off a lot and it made me a little uncomfortable, but not enough to quit. I informed the agency of this. I had an agreement with the VP that I would stay until Christmas b/c that's when their work dies way off. That arangement waws fulfilled. He indicated this in his reference. I really hope this doesn't hurt me. Advice?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Do you have a copy of the letter of recommendation from the VP so you know exactly what he said?

If you think this place is giving you a bad reference then I'd check the "Do Not Contact" option on the application. But list the name of the VP and provide the facility with the letter that he wrote (if it is really a good one).

[TerpGal02, ASN]

Yep, he gave me the letter himself a few days before I left and I gave it to the hiring manager along with my other letters of rec. This came about b/c they actually contacted the agency and the VP. She told me that there was conflicting info. The only questions onm the questionnaire they answered were the attendance on and the reason for leaving one, and those answers conflicted. Since the VP directly supervised me and was extremely happy with my work (he wanted to hire me on permanantly but couldn't offer me the job knowing I would be looking for a new job within a few months). I just think they probably think its odd that there was such a conflict. I did explain the school thing and that at the time, the job was to get extra income into the house and that NS and my nursing career was my first priority.

[taramb7263]

My understanding is that it is illegal for a company to give a bad reference or say negative things. they can get sued. There are reference check companies ou there who you can pay to check what the previous employers are saying. I have done it and it was worth it and it cost only 30 bucks.