I've been actively looking for a new job but I'm worried that any serious offer might end up in them contacting my manager for references and then I'm screwed. He's the main reason why I'm leaving. He's been making my life a living he-l since I joined two years ago and I have no idea why. I have always done my job and my work has been nothing but exemplary. That's not how he'll paint it, though, I'm sure. What can I do in this situation?
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This isn’t 1958, they don’t do that anymore. The most that can be done is confirm the time of employment.
I really hope this is a very junior person asking this question.
So long as you provide other fairly recent references, it would be unusual for a hiring manager to reach out to your current manager, especially because they should understand that you are likely job searching without your boss knowing. It would be highly unusual and a breach of standard protocol.
As others have said, BNYM counsels managers to not give references. Of course, that’s nonsense… one of the unwritten rules of managing is that you will provide positive references to those who have earned them.
But the rule against references is really designed to stop what OP is worried about… badmouthing an employer, which can open the company to legal action.
They aren't allowed to say anything good about you, nor are they allowed to say anything bad about you. This isn't the 1950's- times have changed due to lawsuits. ALL they can say is "John Jones has been employed from ____ to ____." Full stop.
Times have changed in so many ways. For ages, if you were arrested, forget getting a job. Then there was a new standard: if you have been convicted, forget getting a job. Now, it is "what was the offense" LOL!
I’ve never had a prospective employer reach out to my current manager. I think you’ll be fine.
Managers are not permitted to give any references.. if you find out they do report them. BNY Mellon has a 3rd party that handles all references and very limited information is released.
If you're looking external, most applications have a box to check that says something like, "May we contact your current employer?" Also, if they just need to do employment verification, BNYM has a third party service that does that
How about References available upon request on the resume and if any asks then you can provide.