References
“I noticed on your reference sheet that your last boss
is not listed. Is there any reason for this?”
■“I would prefer that you not contact my last boss because I
don’t think she can supply an accurate reference for me.
She was brought in six months ago to replace my boss
who went on maternity leave. My boss who was on
maternity leave and I had a unique partnership in our work
together. Unfortunately, she decided to quit her job and
stay home with her baby. The temporary boss was offered
the job, and I don’t feel she really ever got to understand
my role. In fact, my role was entirely different with her from
what it was with my last boss. My last boss would tell you
that I was her ‘right-hand man.’”
■“Yes, I prefer that none of the people at my last job be
contacted. My experience there was not a pleasant one.
The people I worked with were very nice and a good team
to work with, but management was less professional than
at other places I have worked. I know that anyone who
worked with me or has managed me in the past would be
glad to tell you how adaptable and resourceful I am.”
■“My current boss does not know that I am planning to
leave the company. Unfortunately, I have gone as far as
I can go at my current company, and I want to make a
proactive move before I get bogged down and no longer
have cutting-edge skills. I have been taking classes in the
evening and want to apply what I have learned and join
a dynamic team such as the one at this company. If you
were to talk to my boss, he would tell you that I am very
ambitious and goal-oriented. He would also tell you
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