12 answers
Angy
Student
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
18
Questions
Updated
3273 views
What to do if your employer will give you a bad reference?
Hello, I have been doing a BDR internship for a Indian startup for a month and I didn’t book anything, now I am trying a new approach. The founder tho, sees me as dishonest and unreliable because we had some misunderstanding. I fear he will be a bad reference for when I’ll finish high school and I’ll try to get a SDR/BDR job for a US company(I am from Italy). I fear he might say that I am not a good employee and he will jeopardise my chances of getting a job. Now he hasn’t fired me from the internship yet, but he wants me to book something for the end of the week. I fear he might just be firing me out of the internship. He is very micromanaging and pretty pretentious (even if it’s a unpaid internship). Should I put this on my resume? It’s the only sales experience I have so I don’t know what to do. Please I really need to get a BDR job after high school.
Plus if in a few months from now I won’t sell anything, should I put it on my resume anyways? I am finishing school so I don’t have time for actually stick to it. Plus I am doing another internship and managing 2 websites. Can I still make it a valuable experience on my resume even if I dint sell anything?
Login to comment
12 answers
Mrs. Joan Catherine Tormes
9
Answers
Updated
Mrs. Joan Catherine’s Answer
I respect how honest you are concerning your problem with your internship manager. With that knowledge I feel that your intern manager is aware that you have good qualities as well. Sometimes in order to win we are required to handle a situation in a different manner than what we would like.
1. Make an appointment with your internship manager.
2. Dress respectfully.
3. Admit to him your concerns, exactly how you have mentioned above.
4. Ask him what can you do to improve yourself in this internship?
5. It’s difficult, but you can do it.
6. At the end of the internship ask him kindly if he will be able give you a good reference.
You will be a different person if you are successful at this. Much more able to handle difficult people/situations.
1. Make an appointment with your internship manager.
2. Dress respectfully.
3. Admit to him your concerns, exactly how you have mentioned above.
4. Ask him what can you do to improve yourself in this internship?
5. It’s difficult, but you can do it.
6. At the end of the internship ask him kindly if he will be able give you a good reference.
You will be a different person if you are successful at this. Much more able to handle difficult people/situations.
Alex Enns
Partner Alliance Manager
3
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Angy - Congratulations on your accomplishments already. As others have already stated, you can use someone else in your current internship as a reference. Additionally, if you're just now finishing high school and can get three references from the other internship + the two websites you're managing, you have already put yourself in a great position.
Cristina Moore
Finance Manager
5
Answers
Highland Park, Illinois
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Yes, you can include it, especially if it’s your only sales experience. Here’s why:
Experience matters: Even if you didn’t close deals, you gained exposure to sales processes, tools, and terminology.
Skills learned: You likely developed communication, prospecting, and CRM skills.
Short duration is normal: Many internships are brief; just be honest about the timeline.
Hope this helps!
Experience matters: Even if you didn’t close deals, you gained exposure to sales processes, tools, and terminology.
Skills learned: You likely developed communication, prospecting, and CRM skills.
Short duration is normal: Many internships are brief; just be honest about the timeline.
Hope this helps!
Sadaat S K
IT employee
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sadaat’s Answer
If you're worried about receiving a bad reference from a former employer, here are some steps you can take to minimize its impact:
1. Assess the Risk: Many companies have a policy to only confirm dates of employment and job title. Check if this is the case. If you have a good relationship with your manager or HR, you could ask what kind of reference they’d give.
2. Reference Process: Use different referees: Choose other people (e.g., former managers, team leads, colleagues, or clients) who can speak positively about your performance. Proactively provide references you trust instead of leaving it to the employer to be contacted unexpectedly. Suggest providing letters of recommendation rather than live calls, which gives you more control.
3. Proactive measures: If you think the bad reference will come out, address it directly with potential employers. Keep it factual and professional. You can formally ask HR to only provide a neutral reference (dates, job title). Some companies will honor this to avoid legal risk.
4. Your Rights
Defamation laws: In many regions, providing a false or malicious reference can be considered defamation. If a reference is factually inaccurate and costs you a job, you may have legal recourse. Employment laws: Rules vary by country (or U.S. state). In the UK and many U.S. states, you're entitled to a fair and accurate reference.
Finally, Be ready to explain without being defensive. Focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown. Avoid blaming or badmouthing your past employer.
1. Assess the Risk: Many companies have a policy to only confirm dates of employment and job title. Check if this is the case. If you have a good relationship with your manager or HR, you could ask what kind of reference they’d give.
2. Reference Process: Use different referees: Choose other people (e.g., former managers, team leads, colleagues, or clients) who can speak positively about your performance. Proactively provide references you trust instead of leaving it to the employer to be contacted unexpectedly. Suggest providing letters of recommendation rather than live calls, which gives you more control.
3. Proactive measures: If you think the bad reference will come out, address it directly with potential employers. Keep it factual and professional. You can formally ask HR to only provide a neutral reference (dates, job title). Some companies will honor this to avoid legal risk.
4. Your Rights
Defamation laws: In many regions, providing a false or malicious reference can be considered defamation. If a reference is factually inaccurate and costs you a job, you may have legal recourse. Employment laws: Rules vary by country (or U.S. state). In the UK and many U.S. states, you're entitled to a fair and accurate reference.
Finally, Be ready to explain without being defensive. Focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown. Avoid blaming or badmouthing your past employer.
Donna Hull
Engineer
93
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Angy;
As you move through the workforce and your career, you will occasionally encounter individuals you just can not seem to work with no matter how you try. Unfortunately, some of those individuals may be your superior.
As you describe this as an unpaid internship, you could exclude it from your resume. If a potential future employer does discover this internship, be prepared to give your side of the story and try to pull the emotion of the situation out of your answer. This can also apply if you choose to leave the reference in your resume.
Honesty and Reliability are big factors to a new employer. So your explanation should matter of fact acknowledge both sides of the issue.
Why did your employer think you were Dishonest? What is your side of the story? Was there a common resolution?
The same goes for the question of Reliability? Was there a problem with work hours, deadlines, or a something else. Present both your employers view and your own view.
I would suggest you run your answers by someone you respect and would give you a honest answer about the situation.
One of the questions often asked on an interview is: Describe a difficult situation and how you resolved it. Maybe this is your situation.
As you move through the workforce and your career, you will occasionally encounter individuals you just can not seem to work with no matter how you try. Unfortunately, some of those individuals may be your superior.
As you describe this as an unpaid internship, you could exclude it from your resume. If a potential future employer does discover this internship, be prepared to give your side of the story and try to pull the emotion of the situation out of your answer. This can also apply if you choose to leave the reference in your resume.
Honesty and Reliability are big factors to a new employer. So your explanation should matter of fact acknowledge both sides of the issue.
Why did your employer think you were Dishonest? What is your side of the story? Was there a common resolution?
The same goes for the question of Reliability? Was there a problem with work hours, deadlines, or a something else. Present both your employers view and your own view.
I would suggest you run your answers by someone you respect and would give you a honest answer about the situation.
One of the questions often asked on an interview is: Describe a difficult situation and how you resolved it. Maybe this is your situation.
It’s that this employer is Indian and doesn’t know very well how to write in English. So he assigned me some tasks and I got them wrong and used AI and he got mad for it but it happened only twice
Angy
That is quite a challenging scenario, but one that is often common now. I work periodically with teams overseas, due to outsourcing. It is important have a mutual respect for each other. Depending on the person some I can talk to on the phone and clarify details. Some we can better communicate via chat. But often we clarify details between each other and if possible will do a sample size project to ensure that we both are happy with the product.
Donna Hull
Carol Trinh
Human Resources Leader
1
Answer
Oakland, California
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Most BDR/SDR roles are exciting opportunities to connect with people and build a strong sales pipeline. Your mission is to spark interest and discover potential customers who are a great fit for the business. While there may be challenges along the way, remember that bringing a sale to completion is a team effort, with Account Executives helping to close the deal.
If you're passionate about a sales career, aim to increase the number of calls or emails you send each day. Pay attention to how many responses you get, this shows you're reaching the right audience! Keep improving your communication and approach, and you'll see great results.
If you're passionate about a sales career, aim to increase the number of calls or emails you send each day. Pay attention to how many responses you get, this shows you're reaching the right audience! Keep improving your communication and approach, and you'll see great results.
Jalin Garrison, MBA
Consulting
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jalin’s Answer
Hi Angy!
I am echoing Sunshine's answer. I would highly recommend first talking to the founder to have a level set with him and share your concerns, also candidly ask him or anyone you are asking for a reference if they feel comfortable giving you a positive recommendation. I would also encourage you to leverage your other roles and website management into telling a story that is relevant for the BDR roles you are interested in.
I am echoing Sunshine's answer. I would highly recommend first talking to the founder to have a level set with him and share your concerns, also candidly ask him or anyone you are asking for a reference if they feel comfortable giving you a positive recommendation. I would also encourage you to leverage your other roles and website management into telling a story that is relevant for the BDR roles you are interested in.
Christian Gregorich
Management Consultant
37
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Christian’s Answer
I echo the feedback that a couple others have suggested. I would recommend trying to find someone else in the company who you worked with to serve as a reference if you need one. Also keep in mind that references are not that common in the US anymore, and company policy or state law may limit what information can be shared. Certainly, it would be better if you could point to the impact you had (e.g., meetings booked) when writing a resume or answering interview questions, but most BDR / SDR jobs are entry level with limited experience required, so it won't be the end of the world. Still, I think the most important thing you can do right now is try your best to turn it around in the internship (assuming it doesn't take away from your ability to manage your classes).
Jacky Lau
Client Executive
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jacky’s Answer
Hi Angy, there's a good chance that your future employer won't even ask for references. I think it's fine to put on your resume. Plus, there's also a chance your employer won't say anything negative, as it also paints them in a bad light. And also, maybe your employer won't even pick up the phone. I wouldn't overthink it, I'd just put it on my resume.
Steve Lytle
Sales
6
Answers
Downers Grove, Illinois
Updated
Steve’s Answer
If you think your current employer might give you a bad reference, don't worry—you can handle this. Here are some steps to help you move forward:
Find Other References:
Look for people who can highlight your skills and work ethic. Consider past supervisors, colleagues, professors, internship managers, or clients. You don't have to rely only on your current employer.
Be Honest and Professional:
If a future employer asks about your current job, be honest but professional. You might say, "The fit at my current company wasn't ideal, but I've learned a lot. I'd prefer you speak with other references who can better show my abilities."
Get Written References:
Try to get recommendation letters from those who support you. These letters are permanent and useful even if things change later.
Highlight Your Growth in Interviews:
If the topic arises, focus on what you've learned, how you've grown, and your enthusiasm for new opportunities. Employers appreciate candidates who handle challenges with maturity.
Find Other References:
Look for people who can highlight your skills and work ethic. Consider past supervisors, colleagues, professors, internship managers, or clients. You don't have to rely only on your current employer.
Be Honest and Professional:
If a future employer asks about your current job, be honest but professional. You might say, "The fit at my current company wasn't ideal, but I've learned a lot. I'd prefer you speak with other references who can better show my abilities."
Get Written References:
Try to get recommendation letters from those who support you. These letters are permanent and useful even if things change later.
Highlight Your Growth in Interviews:
If the topic arises, focus on what you've learned, how you've grown, and your enthusiasm for new opportunities. Employers appreciate candidates who handle challenges with maturity.
Neil Maude
Business Leader
6
Answers
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Hi Angy
My advice is not to worry about the sales and focus on what you learned from the BDR internship.
Future employers are going to be way more interested in your learning and development than the outright $$$ performance from your first job. Most will be impressed that you *have* the experience already as you're finishing school.
Good luck!
My advice is not to worry about the sales and focus on what you learned from the BDR internship.
Future employers are going to be way more interested in your learning and development than the outright $$$ performance from your first job. Most will be impressed that you *have* the experience already as you're finishing school.
Good luck!
Tim Connley
Partner Manager for IT Sales Company
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Consider asking someone else at the company to be your reference. Handling conflicts at work is a valuable skill that employers appreciate. I hope your meeting isn't about being fired but rather a chance for learning and growth. If you can turn this situation around positively, make sure to document it as an example of overcoming challenges.
Sales can be tough, so don't be discouraged if you haven't booked anything in the first few weeks. I've dealt with micromanagers before, and I know they can add a lot of stress. Remember, this pressure can be felt by your prospects too. Stay positive, and things will improve.
Sales can be tough, so don't be discouraged if you haven't booked anything in the first few weeks. I've dealt with micromanagers before, and I know they can add a lot of stress. Remember, this pressure can be felt by your prospects too. Stay positive, and things will improve.