Hi Everyone! I have just been offered a new job and my new employer has yet to ask for references, the problem is that I dont get on too well with people at my old job, i was late a few times and have called in sick too. I was just wondering what employer are and not allowed to say about you in job references?
Thanx xx
2006-08-04 08:31:37 · 27 answers · asked by *kirsty* 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
If they have an HR department, the only thing they will tell is:
1) start date
2) end date
3) position title
4) salary
5) "Is this person eligible for rehire"
They will only answer these questions to avoid lawsuits.
If they are just a bunch of yahoos, then all bets are off.
2006-08-04 08:36:12 · answer #1 · answered by ceprn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, it seems unlikely they will ask for references given that they have already made you an offer. Second, you are under no obligation to use anyone in particular as your reference. (That said, it will be noticed that you are not using your current employer).
Employers are legally entitled to answer questions that relate to your employment in an open and honest fashion. They are not allowed to say untrue things (and should also stay far away from anything not directly related to your employment/work performance).
What employers actually do, of course, varies in real life. Some will decline to provide any information unless you sign a legal release. Some will only confirm dates of employment and job title. Others will answer any questions related to employment that are factual in nature. (How many times was she late for work in the last six months). Some will provide a complete and balanced view of the employee. Some will provide a negative review without doing so directly. Unfortunately, others will lie and provide untrue information(and they are, rightly, subject to civil action). Please note: Just because you may not agree with the reference or find it unbalanced does not make it a lie.
Good luck in your new position.
2006-08-04 16:04:54 · answer #2 · answered by bonairetrip 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, a reference is to find out what you were like in a former job, so an employer can say whatever the hell he likes
However...
If they gave a bad reference, that could be considered 'slander' or detriment to character to use the more correct term, so if you were not very good with an employer, they would likely say that
"XXX was employed here from such a date till this date, and worked as a General slave"
Of course this is amended to suit the person, but they won't mention how you got on. So, go for it and don't feel worried.
2006-08-04 09:07:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure they can. It's not slander if it's true (old legal saying re: libel and slander, "the truth is a perfect defense").
On the other hand, they probably WON'T give a bad reference. What they'll do is say that they only confirm title or job and start and end dates. Now sometimes, the refusal to give more info is considered a bad reference in and of itself. When a great employee asks me to serve as a reference I say great things. When I get called about a problem I give the absolute minimum. I think the message gets across.
One final thing, maybe this new job is a great opportunity for you to not be late or call in sick any more.
2006-08-04 08:43:16 · answer #4 · answered by Oh Boy! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes prospective employers phone up and ask off the cuff.
Providing lateness was only a few times you shouldn't need to worry. Getting on badly with people is more of a problem. Employers are looking for a happy team.
2006-08-04 08:45:34 · answer #5 · answered by felineroche 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Employers can give out negative comments, but because of potential legal fallout, companies usually have policies to say very little.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. You were offered a job and you think they might eventually ask for references? If they are organized, this won't happen. It's probably too late.
Relax and enjoy the weekend!
2006-08-04 08:43:06 · answer #6 · answered by Someone with a free answer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally, employers are allowed to give truthful answers. They can say they wouldn't re-hire you, if that's true. (Or if you were fired, they can say that.) BUT, many companies don't want to be held accountable - so it may be against company policy to reveal more than just dates and earnings.
You can get a friend to call and find out what your old company will say. Or ask one of your parent's friends if they don't mind.
And, if you get this job - don't mess it up so you have some GOOD references for next time!
Good luck!
2006-08-04 08:39:23 · answer #7 · answered by tigglys 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Apparently, previous employers arent allowed to give a BAD reference but a prospective employer will probably be able to tell the difference between a 'glowing' reference and a bog standard or unfriendly one.
2006-08-04 14:21:50 · answer #8 · answered by lennylil 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
References are often to do with honesty of the guy and confirming that your employment exchange into for the dates which you stated on your employment history. large businesses under no circumstances say something different than "xxxx exchange into employed between xx/xx/xxxx and xx/xx/xxxx and alter right into a passable worker" Your interview would be what determines in case you get the interest/place or no longer. The references are double tests, to substantiate no longer something undesirable hiding. If the reference is particularly undesirable and you interviewed properly - they could ask you to remark, because it may look so out of place they could suspect some thing exchange into incorrect. Even an corporation who's hard on you, could under no circumstances threat their attractiveness by using mendacity negatively, rather in case you end and picture approximately it, in the event that they actually did no longer like/decide for you - they could write a competent connection with assist you on the way. Ever heard the comedian tale of 'the guy maximum recomended from their previous employers/ branch' ;) do no longer complication. it may be an atypical corporation (no longer be counted how undesirable) who exchange into stupid adequate to jot down down lies approximately somebody. they could/ought to wind up in court docket and all people in the corporation community could get to appreciate approximately it very quickly. You under no circumstances decide for to lose the believe and credibility of your corporation colleagues.
2016-10-01 11:42:53 · answer #9 · answered by amaya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is that no-one is supposed to give a bad reference, they can decline to give one at all, but should not give a bad one. Most employers would give a reference and only put positives in it.
To be honest if they declined to give one at all, i would think that was worse.
Good luck with the new job.
2006-08-04 08:37:38 · answer #10 · answered by Cheryl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋