Boss who laid me off as a reference?

[Anonymous]

I'm so close on a job I really want! They asked for three references.
Well, I'm in the market as I was laid off after 10 years at a company. I have two references who were close colleagues, but they also need a manager, so I have to put down the person who laid me off -- he was my manager the whole time. We had a good working relationship for a decade, but he's also the one who laid me off. How do I handle this? I'm sure he won't sabotage me, but is it also awkward to list someone who let you go? Clearly they thought I was dispensable enough to lay off (even though it was due to a larger restructuring plan).
He offered to be a reference when he laid me off. Help?

[Anonymous]

Lay offs happen. Doesn't make you a bad employee, and the manager offered to be a reference, which is good news!

[Anonymous]

Boss didn't lay you off, the owner did. Unless your boss is an owner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Boss didn't lay you off, the owner did. Unless your boss is an owner.

He's the president of the company, but it was owned by a larger company that did the layoffs.

[Anonymous]

Do not overthink this. Ask him for a recerence.

[Anonymous]

He offered you a reference. They mean it. They feel bad about the layoff and want to offer you some help.

That said, is this new company really going to even call your references? References are so outdated. I mean you could put me down and I'll say I was your manager and say lots of legit nice-sounding things about you.

[Anonymous]

Layoffs happen. Half the time I don't even call references beyond the first one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lay offs happen. Doesn't make you a bad employee, and the manager offered to be a reference, which is good news!

This.

Good luck, OP!

Layoffs happen. He offered to help. He is unlikely to harm your chances.

Please come back with an update!

[Anonymous]

It seems like you need a manager, he will say nice things about you. Is there really any other option? I think doing anything else (finding someone from more than 10 years ago--so NOT using a manager from your recent job; or not putting anyway; or coming up with something fake) puts you in a worse position and is a red flag.

[Anonymous]

I mean, I think it would speak well of you that the person who laid you off gives you a good reference, which demonstrates it really wasn't a cover for poor performance.