Should I Use My Past Supervisor As A Reference?

Question

I was "let go" from my job in August after nearly a year of working with a small team.
I feel deep down that my direct supervisor recommended my termination to Human Resources because - according to her - I couldn't "multitask" the way she wanted me to. She consistently said to me when I worked in the office, "Some people can multitask and some can't".

HR told me it was Covid times that caused the cut-backs, which I think is a safer way to let someone go these days.

I do feel I was unfairly judged/terminated, as I went into the office and worked ALONE during the entire pandemic and was asked to literally be in 2 places at once and do the job of 4 people with no assistance in our office.

Now that I'm looking for work and need to send companies refrences, do I even bother listing this supervisor as a source????? She didn't say or confirm that I could list her as a reference when she fired me. I can list the umbrella company and the HR manager, but I didn't work directly with them.
Who should I list as a reference for this job - or not list them at all??

Mamawidsom · Answer

No.  There is a difference between a company contact (HR department) to verify previous employment and a reference.  
1. ALWAYS call or email and potential reference to ask them if they are willing to perform that service for you.
2. ALWAYS ask people who think you were a good employee.  Don't ask people who think you were unqualified or not capable of performing the job.  It is better to list a co-worker who appreciates your abilities than a superior who fired you for poor performance.

SCATTY c · Answer

Whoever you put down as reference, you need to ask them if it's ok to do so.

It's ok to put HR down as a reference. They can confirm your employment dates and the amount of time you took off sick etc. It's better to do that than risk an indifferent reference from your supervisor.

Alex · Answer

In all cases, if you wan to use someone as a reference, ask them first.  Send your supervisor a short email saying, "I hope things are going well. I am applying for a position with another company and was wondering if I can use you as a reference?"

If your former supervisor agrees, use them.  If they say no, or if they don't respond, best not to use them.  In that case, try to find a colleague rather than a supervisor for a reference.

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Should I Use My Past Supervisor As A Reference?

3 Answers