A referential matter

Hi,

I'm back on the market looking for work. My last job was working in sales for one of the mobile networks. However, I've had 3x managers. The first one (my initial one) and myself got on great. We worked together for about 6 months, but he was fired by the company and is now working for a rival company. My next manager loved me. We worked together for about 8 months until he left to start his own company.

My problem lies with the last manager I worked under. The back story is thatwe both started on the same day, in the sales department. He was very good at saying the right things to the right people, so he got promoted. I had no interest in promotion as I was the top-seller for my shop on all targets and, to be frank, earned more than my managers sometimes from my commission.

I was not a perfect employee as I was very tardy. I would usually be on the floor 5 minutes after my shift started. I have no problem owning up to that. However, my first two managers had turned a blind eye to that, as to be frank again, I earned them too much money. This was raised by the staff and the two managers response was, "If you can constantly achieve your targets, you'll receive more leniency too.

Now, my last manager and I had a falling out. I requested a transfer which he denied, as I was a good seller. Then I was out of work for two months for medical reasons where I was called in to a meeting. I was told by my manager (the last) that I could quit now and receive a good reference or, He'd sack me within two/three months.

Needless to say, I told him I'd think about it. I then suffered from clinical depression and panic attacks and on the day I was due back to work, I had a massive panic attack. The thought of having to go back into that atmosphere had set it on.

I emailed me later to say for personal reasons I will not be coming back.

My problem now lies in the reference. Both managers who I got on with and respected my ability have now left and only the third remains. I know when he gets asked the fateful, "Would you re-hire him" He'll say no. So who can I get a reference off?

What would be my options?

Thanks for your help,

Papa.

Gone West

Give your old manager a bell in the rival company. Ask if he can get you a job.

kmick

Just use your manager who you got on well with as the reference (ask him first obviously). Then say to the new prospective employer that you last manager has also left the company but can now be found here <insert company name> and he would be happy to give you a reference. Then sort out your tardyness. If you can be exactly 5 minutes late every day you can be on time.

I hadn't even thought of that, but I was trying to get away from the shop sales. I'll give him a buzz.

Cheers.