What can a perspective employer ask a previous or current employer about you?

gettingby

In my state, if it is a previous employer they are only supposed to confirm the dates you were employed. But, I know for a fact some of them share more information, even though it is against the law. It would be hard to prove, though. I worked for a woman who hated everyone who worked for her but a few. 2 of us left and remained in touch. I have no proof she gave me a bad reference, but my former co-worker had an interview. The hiring manager said to her that our former boss had said some negative things about her attendance. First of all, this was not allowed to be shared. Secondly, the reason my co-worker had been out was because she became very ill and had to have major surgery. The man who interviewed her said he felt badly for her and that is why he told her what the former boss had said. She did not get this job, but the reason was because it required her to move. Luckily, the man had believed her about the surgery.

Now, it is tricky when an employer calls your present employer. This should not happen unless you have given permission and you are almost hired. My husband had this happen. It was a bit awkward because he had to let his job know he was looking. The prospective employer did this reference check at the very end of the job interviewing process, right before he was hired. He is in a very high security/law enforcement job. I personally would not want to have my current employer notified unless I knew I was getting the job. Unless you are in a classified/security/law enforcement, they should not be contacting the employer you are currently working for. When they went to my husband's job, they asked about his attendance, his work ethic, his job duties. They actually came to the place, but again, it was for a law enforcement job, so they had a right to know about him.

rc_129

The usual questions are about your work and behavior. The typical question is would you be willing to hire this person again.

Usually, they call the persons based on the reference list you have provided. Since I have called references few times myself and have talked to others regarding this too, I can very well say with confidence that lot of positive things a persons says about you doesn't matter as much one single negative item could hurt you.

Usually perspective employers don't call (and shouldn't call) until they have given you the assurance of hiring.

michr

they can ask about anything related to your ability to perform the duties of the job.
many employers limit what they will say.
there are no laws limiting what information an employer may release contrary to what many people think.

in every state the laws protect employers from any legal recourse for the references they provide as long as they tell the truth. they can not lie in a reference.
if you list the employer as a reference on an application or resume'(in most of the few states that require a release) then that is considered as you giving permission for the release of information.
in most states a release is not even required.
in every state the employees personnel files are property of the employer and therefore they can handle them as their policy dictates(as long as that policy does not violate a law).

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING:
why would any employer make an offer of employment prior to checking references?

they may wait on checking a current employer as a courtesy if the applicant request it but why would a prospective employee request that?
something to hide
or they are being deceptive with their current employer in regards to their future plans
or they are poor communicators
or they ...................................
a lot of poor excuses to want a prospective employer to not check with a current one. all of those possible reasons are a good reason to not hire them.

Bob D

how long you were employed, and would you re-hire thats all.

BRANDON S

They can ask if you are eligible for rehire..

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: