Hi,

Does anyone knows how in CH works with the references?

If I receive a good reference letter from my previous job and then by phone they give bad references how is that possible, what does it means?

Can I do something against that?

That they are idiots? I would say that the good think is that you have good references in writing. What exactly did they say on the phone?

By law they can only write positive things in a written reference. If it proceeds to a phone call, that can be a bit of a gamble...

There is a lot of "code" in references. Specifically, "I am happy to provide further information at [phone number]", or words to that effect, or even a phone number printed in bold or underscore, should be read as: "To whom it may concern - call me and I'll tell you what I really think of that person."

A swiss lawyer help me with the references and they agree. The reference letter is perfect according to swiss standards, but I receive an job offer and they did call them to ask some info and they gave bad references I lost the job offer and I am so upset...

Hi Anheli,

Are you still employed there? If yes, contact your HR department and inform them of what your line manager has done. They are not allowed to do that. In Switzerland a firm is legally allowed to give negative reference but you have a good one in written and signed (I hope).

If you dont work at this company anymore then I would suggest you consult with a lawyer.

Good luck!

Thanks I am not working there anymore and I'll try to do something, yes the reference are signed and I call them before to inform that they will receive a call from the other company and on the phone this person was very polite and told me that was happy to give the references

And this works the same in other countries, not just Switzerland.

Hi Anheli,

As far as I know that is a breach. So you either go to a lawyer or you can contact the KV Zurich http://www.kvschweiz.ch/zuerich . They are a union for employees. You need to be a member but that should not be a problem. They can give you legal consultation and all (especially if you have missed on a great opportunity).

However, I will leave it up to you. That would be my advice to you.

Take care and good luck!

Is it not possible to ask the advice of the original Swiss lawyer who helped you obtain a good written reference ?

Anyway, this job is gone. On to the next opportunity.

Did you fall out with someone at your old company ? If yes, the usual trick is to ask someone senior at your old company to act as a phone reference for you. You then quote the names and numbers of these people in your application.

You ask someone who likes you a lot, and thinks you are a good worker. Then you tell them what job you have applied for and that they should expect a phonecall. That way, they are primed and prepared to give you a very good telephone reference.