What do you do about references from "problem" gigs?

[EddieNambulous]

On my current gig, one contractor walked out and another got booted after he couldn't keep his mouth shut bad-mouthing the client...in earshot of the client.

I've always left clients on good terms with promises of good references, so the situation got me wondering...what do you folks who've had "problem" gigs do about it?

These days if you stay "opted-in" to the agency regulations, they are supposed to get references from your most recent gigs.

So how do you get around things like this?

[SueEllen]

Most agents don't know if you opt-in or opt-out so don't ask for references.

In addition they only tend to ask for references when they are looking for leads.

[Zippy]

You give the name of a technically competent mate who still works there and can comment on your ability - that's all they are interested in right? (and return the favour at a later date). If you don't have any mates working there, tell the pimp that the team has moved on and to contact HR for dstes you worked there. They will just supply the requested info and won't comment on anything else.

You also refrain from giving those references until the offer/contract is produced (I've ignored reference requests after this and haven't had any hassle).

Avoid pissing people off in the first place

I haven't had "problem gigs" (so far!) but I also don't like my referees getting sales calls as - without exception - they hate it, so try to keep pimps away from them (unless there is something in it for you).

[Fred Bloggs]

I worked at a place once that I hated and left after 6 weeks. I simply adjusted the start/finish dates either side of that short gig and it therefore never appears on my CV.

[eliquant]

Just put the name of two people who were technical and you had 'some' dealings with and seemed to be ok people maybe even outside of your team.

If the reference specifically states 'Line Manager' and you didn't like your direct line manager put the name of the person above him, they usually don't have a clue about what was really going on and will usually get it passed ok because the manager beneath him may not want to be seen to be causing trouble by slagging you off after you left or just simply refusing to give you a reference.

[d000hg]

If the reference specifically states 'Line Manager'...

...then remind them you are not an employee and pass names of whoever you want?

[northernladuk]

I've always left clients on good terms with promises of good references,

Promise and reality are two different things. It's always easy to blame a contractor when he has gone for any little problem so even if I had this promise it would have to be a cold day in hell before I called it in unless I knew the guy very very well!

It appears references are rarely sought and don't make much impact on the recruitment process so I wouldn't take the risk personally.. unless I knew the guy really really.... etc