How do I handle a bad reference?

I'm planning to leave my current employer, but I know that my current boss will not be a good reference for me. He's a terrible manager, but blames me for everything that goes wrong. Is it OK to leave him off my references?

Leaving your current boss off of your reference list will raise a red flag to an experienced interviewer. You'll need to explain why you've excluded your boss, and from my perspective, honesty is always the best policy.

If you have a good relationship with the person your boss reports to, include that person on your reference list. You never want to complain about your current work environment, so you need to handle this carefully.

You can admit to having a rocky relationship with your current boss. Say something that's non-judgmental about this.

For example: "It's not uncommon for us to have a difference of opinion on how to accomplish a particular goal. When my way differs from his way, we have some interesting discussions. I feel that his boss would provide a more well rounded review of my performance. I have significant interaction with him, so I think he'll be a good substitute."

A good interviewer will probe when they check this reference, and chances are they will find out that your immediate boss is difficult to work with.

Your honesty in addressing the situation head on, without being negative, will win you points in the end.