Your smart bet is to pave that road ahead of time . Look , part of the reason I left old job was my boss was totally unprofessional in his job , berating all of his employees , and acting like a total tyrant dictator . In fact he even had complaints to HR from women who he spoke to so harshly they were in tears . So please keep an eye out for that kind of behavior from this guy to carry over into any reference call . If needed , I can provide plenty of alternate references that would show contrast with this particular person if they give negative remarks . Another thing you might do is call your old boss or speak to him privately if you are still there I don ' t remember if you said you have left already . Tell him you have to list him as your former manager and ask him how he will respond . If he plans to roast you , Then remind him that you ' re no longer his problem , and that you expect that he would at least treat you with grace and professionalism as you make the transition . Maybe then he will back off the attitude .