Have any of you ever called a past supervisor at a previous place of employment to see what they're saying about you to a potential employer? I only do it when I haven't spoken to the past supervisor over the telephone, and I know damn well that they won't recognize my voice. Sneaky, yes, but I figure, hey this concerns me, my livelihood, and my ability to get another job, so I want to know what the hell they're saying about me. Luckily, the past supervisors (and there have only been a very few) that I have spoken to have said positive things about me (thank God, if not, I would have called them up and straightened them out on it). If there's anything I can't stand, it's relying on someone to put in a good word for me, only to find out that I'm being badmouthed behind my back. Hate that shit!

what are employers allowed to say about you? i thought there were certain things that are illegal to discuss with prospective employers.

Anxiety said:

From what I heard anyway, employers are only supposed to verify dates of employment, and what your job duties were. But ya never know, you may get some bastard ex-boss who will step over the line and say something they shouldn't. I had that happen once with an attorney I used to work for. Needless to say, I will never work for an attorney ever again, no matter how much money you would offer me.

its against the law to give bad recommondations... they are very very limited on what they can answer... works great in some situations, not so good in others

best wishes in the job hunting sweetie

nakedpianoplayer said:

You are right. This is the law.

Actually, if you find out an ex boss said anything bad, you can sue them. I think mosteverything has to be in writing. If you were fired...they can only say the reason...not get into details.

The law states that you can only give out Dates, duties and compensation. Though the comp part normally has to be in writing. I'm not sure if they can ask about attitude, performance or reason for leaving.

Hotlegs said:

Thanks naked and Hotlegs, I appreciate your input. I know that it's a law not to give out a bad reference about a past employee, but ya never know when somebody will cross that line. I just can't trust people these days.

superspaceboy said:

I left my last job due to a layoff (company was cutting back some employees along with myself). I think you're correct in that they can only give out dates of employment, what you did, and perhaps how much you were paid. Don't know either about your attitude, performance, or why you left.

Hotlegs said:

Yeah, but the ex-employer CAN say if, given the choice/opportunity, they'd ever rehire you. The reponse to that question can put off potential future employers, especially if the x-employer's tone of voice in stating "No" clearly conveys the attitude of "NO WAY IN HELL".

they can say either let the prospective employer know if they are eligible or not eligible for rehire

KaleidoscopeEyes said:

Yup. The tone of voice can speak volumes.

ella731 said:

Ella! How are ya?

It is my understanding that a former employer can only verify whether or not you worked with them. Anything else is against the law.

dreamfactory313 said:

That's my understanding too. Hopefully, all former employers abide by that rule.

Employers can only tell future employers the truth. Past employers don't generally like to say what they said, good or bad.

I have no idea!! What i do know is dat 95% of all da interviewz i've ever done- i've been told dat i interview very very well. But u know sumfin, there is this ONE person i worked for dat i will never ever put in my references!!! She was okay at first, but began 2 bully me (it was my first job in a salez-driven retail environment)...she made racist remarkz, called me a bitch if i made more sales than her (not in a joking way either) and simulataneously find sumfin to hit me on da head with! She was my manager- and it felt really degrading. I used 2 go home and cry from da way she treated me...but if i saw her again- she'd get a mouthfull i'm tellin ya!!!
[Edited 4/20/05 18:26pm]

Actually I just acted as a reference for a former co-worker. It was slightly uncomfortable as he had been forced to resign from our firm due to unprofessional conduct. He signed up with a head-hunting firm, and they were very thorough when they interviewed me as to why he left the position he had held. While I could not divulge the circumstances that led to his forced resignation (I wasn't witness to any of his behavior as we worked in different locations, and technically I should not even have been aware that his actions had been investigated), I definitely had to choose my words extremely carefully as they asked very detailed questions about his professional demeanor. If I had told the headhunters or the employer who called me yesterday falsehoods about his behaviors, I could have placed myself and my company in liability.