Picture it: You’re filling out an online job application and you get to the part asking about past employment. One of the questions is “May we contact this employer as a reference?” If you check “no,” then it’s a big red flag; check “yes” and if you and your boss didn’t have great chemistry, it could hurt your chances of landing the job.

So what should you do? Here are your options:

Talk to HR.

As one of Sacramento’s leading employment firms, Pacific Staffing can tell you it’s important to first check with HR at your former company and ask them about their reference checking policy. Most departments have one and some only allow managers to verify employment titles and dates, not discuss your work performance. If that’s the case, then it could be worth listing your last boss as a reference since that carries a lot of weight with a hiring manager.

Have a Conversation With Your Former Boss.

You may want to give your old boss a call and try to get a sense of whether they’d be a good reference or not. Let them know the reason you’re calling is to ask permission to list them as a reference, then ask them their thoughts. Their response should give you a good indication of whether past conflicts are water under the bridge – or not.

Be Open About it.

If you choose not to list your former boss as a reference and you’re asked about it during the interview process, then be open about the fact that the two of you didn’t mesh well. Almost everyone has had a boss they didn’t get along with during some point in their career. But be sure to offer several other references and at least a few from supervisors. If you have one bad reference and a host of excellent references, you’ll be in a good position to win the job.

Need More Help With Your Job Search Process?

Let Pacific Staffing know. As one of Sacramento’s leading employment firms, we partner with top companies in and around the area and can offer you access to a variety of rewarding job opportunities. Contact Pacific Staffing today to learn more.