Job Issue- How would you handle this?

toneranger
Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:30:12 +0000

Oh dear…I really feel for your D. But I don’t agree that she should just let this go. It seems reasonable to touch base with the Production Manager in a positive way…and in the process…she may secure a reference or get some information on what happened. It’s too bad that she doesn’t have his email. If there’s no way to get it, I would recommend sending him a letter at this plant address - asking him to call or respond by email. The other option is to call him when you know he won’t be there (evening?) so that you can leave a carefully worded voice mail. I don’t think your D should pressure him to get the job back - and IMO, being too forward about saying she wants to go back would do that.

I’m assuming you will be seeing these folks at social functions and burying the issue can make these interactions real tough. What will you all do…pretend that nothing happened? If he knows your D doesn’t blame him and just wants a positive reference if possible, it can smooth things over. Reaching out and hopefully getting a response will allow all of you to put this behind you. Ignoring it all is tempting…but not a good strategy. Your D is suffering, and it’s likely the Production Manager is feeling some guilt. Let him off the hook by expressing your appreciation for the experience, and move on.