How to Get References When You've Had a Bad Manager

The assumption that your most recent manager is your primary reference is outdated and often harmful. References are about finding people who can speak credibly and enthusiastically about your work - not necessarily about checking a specific box.

If your most recent manager is a poor reference (a bad relationship, a contentious departure, genuine performance concerns), here's how to approach it.

References don't have to be your direct manager. Peers who've worked closely with you, skip-level managers who've seen your work, clients or customers you've served, and people from cross-functional teams who depend on your output can all be strong references.

Start building this portfolio now, not when you're about to receive an offer. Ask people to be references before you need them, so they have time to prepare thoughtful things to say and aren't caught off guard by a call.

Some reference checking processes require a reference from your most recent manager specifically. In this case, you have a few options.

The cleanest approach is to proactively address it: 'My most recent manager and I had different perspectives on the direction of the work, and I don't think they'd be the most objective reference. I'd like to offer [specific alternative] who has better visibility into my day-to-day contributions and outcomes.' Most hiring managers and reference checkers will accept this with a good alternative.

If the company requires the specific manager contact and you're concerned about what they'll say, consider having a candid conversation with your manager before giving their name. Sometimes people will be more professional in a reference call than you'd expect.

Prepare your references before they get a call. Tell them what role you're interviewing for, what the company is looking for, and what aspects of your work together you'd most like them to speak to. References who are prepared give better references - they know what to emphasize.

Never offer a reference you haven't spoken to recently. Reconnect first, confirm they're still comfortable being a reference, and give them a heads-up about the timeline.