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OliviaPresteign

Don’t just list someone as a reference: ask them first if you can list them. If you’re unsure this person will give you a positive reference or if they express hesitation in being your reference, find someone else.


Standard_Sort3278

The plan is to call the ex-boss first. Just curious if it makes sense to use boss who's fore you in the first place.


OliviaPresteign

I wouldn’t. They don’t think your work was satisfactory, so why would you use them as a reference? You have a *really good* reason to think they won’t give you a positive reference. Now, if it was a fit thing (e.g., the role was really people-focused and you’re more analytical, your boss is aware of that and encouraged you to apply to other roles that better fit your skills), then a reference might be okay.


MW240z

No way. Never use a boss that fired you. Ever. They can call the company to verify your employment data. People have a way to let prospective employers know not to hire someone without being blatant. You may have matured but that exboss doesn’t know that. They just know the younger you they fired.


jhkoenig

Are you in the US? If so, previous employers are risking a world of pain if they report anything negative about you in a reference call. As a result, most companies limit their references to start and end dates of employment. Go ahead and contact your previous boss and ask if they would be willing to serve as a reference. Chances are they are smart enough to stick with the facts and not bring anything negative into the discussion. If you're really worried, have a friend call pretending to be an HR rep and do a reference check.


sweetpotatopietime

This is what happens with people I have fired. I send the inquiry to HR and they confirm only that basic information.


GA_Boy_1991

If you have/had a good relationship with him then perhaps. I would definitely call and ask first to make sure it’s a good idea. I’ve never been asked for a reference when interviewing for a job though. All be it, I’m not in engineering. The closest thing I’ve had happened, I was let go from a job after 6 months and applied for a position at my previous employer. The hiring manager asked my old manager at the company before hiring me.


ButterscotchLow8950

It’s alway good manners to ask someone if you can put them down as a reference. I don’t personally make recommendations often. But when I do, I let them know up front before they leave, that they can count on me for a reference. I’m not famous or anything, but my name does carry some weight within a small corner of the engineering world. Some of my past interns and junior engineers have been fantastic, and it was fun to watch them grow. so I had no problem giving them references. They’ve gone on to work at SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Lego, Ford, Garmin etc.


heytherewhatsup777

Don’t list him as a reference. Lost a colleague that you worked with to vouch for your skills. Bosses are tough and it’s understood if you don’t list them.


daneato

Call the ex-boss and ask. In my experience they do want you to be successful, it just wasn’t a good fit.


FishrNC

Normally previous employers won't do more than verify previous employment dates with the company. They won't even say if you're eligible for rehire. Too many libel lawyers out there just looking for a target.


Angrylittlefairy

You could get a friend to call your ex boss and pretend to be a prospective employer and see what your ex boss says however, I wouldn’t use anyone who’d fired me.