How do I avoid a bad reference?
Q I want to apply for a new job but I know my present boss will give me a bad reference – he doesn’t like me. I’ve been in the company for 12 years and this man has been my boss for two. The previous one left and is not contactable. I really don’t want to put him as a referee, so I wondered about not mentioning my current job at an interview – but I would then have a 12-year gap on my CV. Vicky, Newcastle
A You can’t have a gap like that on your CV unless you can explain it. Just because you don’t work well together doesn’t mean he‘ll give you a bad reference – he may want you to go! You can always ask for an open reference so you can see it, and then ask him about it if it feels unfair.
Help! My business is in trouble
Q I’m a hairdresser and I have a shop locally, so I know a lot of my customers personally, or at least well enough to say hello to in the street. A number of them change their appointments on the day or even forget to come. I’m losing income because of this. I’d like to have a cancellation fee, but I don’t want to upset them. Emma, address withheld
This story is from the August 02, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 02, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To put it MILDLY
Sonia couldn't believe her ears - is that what a stranger really thought of her?
Pen PALS
Was it really him? The boy she had written to all those years ago
Gorgeous GRILLING
Dust off the barbecue and invite family and friends over to yours
I'm a 90 year-old CARER!
Shirley Galsworthy has been helping make her community a better place for many decades
BOOST YOUR BONE HEALTH in one month
What you should be doing right now to age-proof your skeleton
Who loves a whodunnit?
Most of us, judging by the rise in crime fiction events
'Don't let age hold you back
TV presenter Ruth Langsford on weight gain, growing older and caring for husband Eamonn Holmes
How to protect YOUR SKIN
Reduce your risk of skin damage and ageing, and spot the signs of skin cancer early, with our expert advice
Coping with...MENOPAUSE EMOTIONS
For some, the psychological impact of what is a normal phase in life can be very tricky to navigate
Patch perfect
Stitch this sweet turtle pincushion using English paper piecing techniques