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Picture this scenario: you’ve been seeking new employment at a hospital or private practice, but without success. Your employment credentials are excellent and while you\u2019ve been able to land the interviews – sometimes more than one with a prospective employer \u2013 that job for which you\u2019re well qualified, continues to elude you. Even more ominous, you may have been assured that the job is virtually yours and that completing the hiring process is a mere formality, and then\u2026the trail goes cold, and the call-backs cease.<\/em><\/p>\n Sound familiar? If it does, you likely have a negative reference that is making your employment life difficult.\u00a0What can you do about it?<\/p>\n The first step is to confirm that you do indeed have a problem with at least one of your references. Do an honest self-assessment of your references that are most likely to be called by prospective employers. Did you depart on good terms with them? Is there anything unflattering that may have made its way into your personnel file, accessible by an HR representative? Very possibly you already have a good idea of who may be making your employment search a miserable one. And while you might be able to keep some former associates off of a prospective employer\u2019s radar, it is unlikely that a former supervisor or HR department will be overlooked. The HR department is a traditional venue for reference checks, and HR reps of your most recent employers are almost certain to get a call from potential employers. Your former supervisors will be high on an employer\u2019s list as well, as they know you better than HR and may also be willing to offer a more revealing profile about you.<\/p>\n Then, consider having a reference check(s) conducted on those business associates from your past who might be problematic. Avoid the temptation to have a friend or associate call and pose as a prospective employer – this could backfire on you, also any unfavorable input obtained in this manner would be inadmissible for legal purposes. Instead, have a reputable third party (e.g.Allison & Taylor) conduct these reference interviews on your behalf to best ensure that any negative input obtained can be legally addressed and neutralized.<\/p>\n If negative input from a reference is uncovered, what steps can you take? Your options will depend on the nature of the negative input. Where your reference\u2019s communication was inaccurate, malicious, or wrongful you may have the ability \u2013 through an attorney \u2013 to pursue legal recourse. When a reference\u2019s negative input is not unlawful but is nonetheless restricting your ability to secure future employment, it can sometimes be addressed through a Cease-&-Desist letter which is typically issued by your attorney to the senior management of the company where the negative reference originated, alerting the management of the negative reference\u2019s identity and actions. Typically the very act of offering a negative reference is against corporate guidelines, which normally state that only a former employee\u2019s title\/dates of employment can be confirmed. The negative reference is cautioned by management not to offer additional comments and \u2013 out of self-interest \u2013 will usually not offer negative commentary again.<\/p>\n Whether through a Cease-&-Desist letter or stronger legal measures, the prospects for neutralizing further negative input from a reference are excellent. Also, the \u201cpeace of mind\u201d a reference verification brings to an employment candidate unsure of what their references are really saying, cannot be underestimated. If concern about your references is causing you some sleepless nights, it\u2019s never too soon to document \u2013 and address \u2013 what they are really saying about you. The career you save, may be your own.<\/p>\n source: <\/em>Health eCareers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n