New boss hates you? Take defensive measures

Q: I work for a failing organization that brought in a new manager to turn things around. The problem is that the new manager has written me up and threatened to dismiss me. He clearly hates me. I have never been in this situation before. I don't want a future employer to call this company and have them say anything negative about me. Earlier this year, I was given a merit raise and was told by my manager's boss that they were happy with my work. I'll be resigning, but how do I ensure this company doesn't say negative things to a future employer?

Nick's reply: First, I'd go talk to your manager's boss about what's happened; that is, to the person who told you what a good job you were doing. "I just got a merit raise and nice compliments on my work. Now I need your advice. What am I to make of this threat to dismiss me? I want to do the right thing, for the company and for myself. Can you please advise me?"

You must find out whether you have support, or whether the company will let the new manager toss you aside. It's hard to say whether the big boss will come to your aid; managers don't like to do battle with one another.

Nonetheless, you must also take action to protect your future. First, get copies of any complaints filed against you, as well as your positive reviews. Make written notes about your conversations about this matter, listing date, time, who you talked with, and what was said. This may be helpful later.

Then, get some insurance. Gather a few written references from the company now, before you leave.

Later on, have a friend who is a manager at another company call your current manager, his boss and the HR office, and ask them for references on you. You'll quickly learn whether they're torpedoing you. If they are, put an attorney on it.

What matters most is your good references. One negative report that you can explain as a bad egg won't matter much, as long as you have the support of others who know you well.

Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and host of www.asktheheadhunter.com.

He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.