Worried About Bad Reference From Last Employer.

I quit my job for the first time in my life without having another job lined up, but with reason. I knew I wanted to get into trucking anyway. Now I'm afraid that my previous employer will give me a bad reference because I outed a major drug problem at our work site after I left and they may still be bitter about it (to say the least). Any feedback on what truck companies are looking for when they call for a "reference" from a former employer? Are they just looking for employment verification, dates, salary, etc.? Thanks.

All an employer is legally bound to give out is dates of employment and eligibility for rehire. That's all most employment checks consist of anyway.

Now as far as asking for a character reference? Some companies won't allow supervisors to do this but some will.

I doubt it will hurt you but ALWAYS be upfront with any recruiters when applying for trucking jobs. Tell them why you quit. With the limited information you just gave it sounds like you didn't do anything wrong. So don't be afraid to tell them about a potential situation BEFORE they hear it from someone else.

All an employer is legally bound to give out is dates of employment and eligibility for rehire. That's all most employment checks consist of anyway.

Now as far as asking for a character reference? Some companies won't allow supervisors to do this but some will.

I doubt it will hurt you but ALWAYS be upfront with any recruiters when applying for trucking jobs. Tell them why you quit. With the limited information you just gave it sounds like you didn't do anything wrong. So don't be afraid to tell them about a potential situation BEFORE they hear it from someone else.

Thanks for the feedback. That is all sound advice. I'll call my recruiter in the morning. ChickieMonster, you rock.