Hello,

I have had a job offer withdrawn, I have received the reason and it is due to my reference being handwritten and not detailed enough.

I have a copy of the reference and while it has been handwritten there is nothing negative in the reference and they have answered all questions on the form.

I would have expected that they give me a chance to provide another reference or get a more detailed reference but instead without prior warning they have withdrawn the offer which leaves me without a job and having already handed my notice period in.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

It sounds unusual, but they can do whatever they want. It would depend on whether the offer was in writing and not contingent on checking references.

Yes they can change their mind whenever they want, welcome to the real world... odds are you are an at-will employee (meaning they really don't need a reason to let you go nor do you need one to leave on your own). Also you never did actually start working for them... and unless you have an ironclad employment contract already signed (highly unlikely)... they could let you go anytime after you was hired for almost any reason.

I suggest looking elsewhere at this point.

If you did not start work yet, they can withdraw the offer.

There must be some other reason. Did they believe perhaps the reference was "fake". Esp if this was a larger company who would have always used written letterhead.

It does sound unprofessional to be handwritten. Was this a small one or two person company.

I don't blame them for rejectng your handwritten reference, which leaves it suspect and not very professionally offered.YOU should have insisted on a proper reference.

Your name indicates you are a nurse. Did you apply to a hospital, long term care facility or somewhere else requiring nursing ?