There&#x27;s no scenario in which this reference would be anything better than &quot;He&#x2F;she worked here from date A to date B.&quot;<p>The backchannel reference check is already blown, make no mistake.<p>It&#x27;s a firing. You&#x27;re now, instead of being entitled to benefits (in most areas) or being able to negotiate for them, being given absolutely nothing.<p>Also, a mutual non-disparagement agreement and severance is extremely easy to negotiate for.<p>And then guess what? Instead of being fucked in that backchannel reference check, _everyone_ takes pause due to the potential consequences.<p>Sure, a backchannel reference check might still happen, but if and when you find out about it: good night.