is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I've been in my current job almost a year and I've been looking for another job since August b/c my supervisor is unbearable - she picks on me all the time (got in trouble for going to lunch, taking personal time off to go to a dr appt, picks at my hair color and style, etc). I'm trying to stay in the same university but it means it's taking a long time to find another appropriate job (without taking something that's a lower level/lower pay).

I haven't interviewed for anything yet, but I'm wondering when the time comes, if it's ok for me to not use her as a reference. I've moved a lot so I have a lot of other supervisors that would give me great reviews, but I'm afraid that this one would not be so favorable b/c she has a warped sense of my work ethic.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

i think it is common not to use someone from a current job because most people don't want to advertise that they are looking till they find a new job

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I started a new job a few months ago and was coming out of a similar situation- I had also been at my previous job about a year.

I did not use my boss at the time as a reference. I used my boss at the job I had prior to the one I was leaving as well as a mix of other colleagues at both the current (at the time) and previous jobs. No one batted an eye. I think most places understand you don’t want to set off any alarms.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Oh - that's so great to hear!!

Now if I can just find a job I'd like so I can get out of here! I'm starting to have anxiety about coming to work b/c every week it's something new. I can tell when she's in a bad mood or if something bad happens in her life b/c that's when she picks on me.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

i'm going to agree with others. most people don't want to advertise that they're looking for a new job, especially in a situation like yours. i wouldn't be surprised if your boss held it against you that you're looking to leave your current position.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I never use current manager as a reference and I always check off that they can not contact my current employer. I've never had an issue

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I wouldn't, unless I wanted them to know that I was looking for another job.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I am in the process of interviewing for a new job, I’m not using my current supervisor but I am using a supervisor from a previous department because I know it’s someone I can trust. My prospective employer was more than understanding when I mentioned I wouldn’t be using my current boss

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Follow up question - it’s been really hard for me to find another job and I think my boss is setting me up to fire me (lied about stuff on my annual performance review, etc).

If I get fired - how do I explain it away on my resume and not using her as a reference. I’ve been there since May 2017 (just over a year) so it’s a big chunk of time that would be hard to hide since I’ve been continuously employed since mid-1990s.

Message edited 7/5/2018 8:38:02 PM.

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Sorry to hear. Could you just say there was downsizing and since you were in your dept the least amount of time, you were the first on the list?

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

People lose jobs all the time. You don't typically have to give many details as to why or you can be honest. That's your call. I would definitely still include it on your resume, if they do let you go. Good luck!

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

You just list the job on your resume with the end date should you get fired.
Then if asked in an interview you say you were laid off

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

I would not- sounds like she has been miserable to work for anyway so I would not expect a glowing reference... I would use prior supervisors and coworkers.

ETA if you do get fired you don't have to say that to a potential employer.

Message edited 7/6/2018 10:31:29 AM.

is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Is it suspicious if I use one of my coworkers as a reference instead of my supervisor? I wouldn’t have trouble finding someone that would say good things about me - just not from my boss specifically.

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?

Re: is it ok not to use current boss as reference?