Settle on a story. Don't assume that because you were fired,

you can't get a good reference from your construction employer.

Ask a previous construction employer to be a reference.

Find an ally. Chances are good some co-construction executives won't side with

your construction employer and instead sympathize with your situation.

Seek out a client or vendor.

Use the human-resources department.

If you must verify employment but are worried that your construction employer

may say something negative about you, list a human-resources construction manager as your former construction employer.