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If a manager AND assistant manager leave a job, who does my sister put down for reference?

• My sister worked for JCPenney for a year and the manager really didn't like her because my sister has a strong personality and "tells it like it is". Anyways, this offended alot of people at her work. She ended up moving to nearby city 60 miles away. She's applying to JCP again but she found out that neither the manager nor the assistant manager work there. So say my sister puts down that she worked at JCP before... who do they call to talk to since the new manager and assistant manager don't know her? How do the references work with previous jobs. I know they call to ask if the person is reliable and what have you but what if the person no longer works there? My sister asked me this question and it's beyond me...

• Answer:

  Your sister is in quite a predicament - however the manager or assistant manager could not provide a negative reference just because she's frank and honest with her statements. Most large companies have HR departments and she can't put down an individual just refer the new company to the old companies HR department. They must have something in her personnel file that could be used as a reference. In general though the other company may only call to verify employment and to ensure that she has a good track record (i.e., no disciplinary actions etc.,). HR generally won't give up information, but will answer honestly if asked. For example if asked "did she get along with her colleagues" - even though she may not have (and its widely known), if it's not documented the answer HR may provide an answer "we never had any complaints about her from others that she worked with". The other companies HR person will need to determine what that means and whether they ultimately take a chance and hire her.