I was fired from a job for unwarranted reasons. They told me that, "I did not seem interested my job." Today I had an interview with another company and they asked me if it was OK to call my last job. I figured that I had to say yes. How will the conversation go on both sides?
2006-08-09 12:30:41 · 8 answers · asked by scott 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I ran into the attached source and it gave some very good answers. I used to work in HR and we were told that we could only answer a very few questions. I was allowed to say when the person worked (from and to dates) and what their salary was when they left the company. If you are concerned you may want to get written references from people at the previous company who liked your work and would give you a good referece. By law NO employer may deface you or make it difficult for you to get another job, regardless for their reasons for firing you. Good luck!
2006-08-09 12:38:49 · answer #1 · answered by megandenae2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound great to me. In the future, I would put together a reference sheet with hand-picked people whom you know will speak highly of you.
More importantly, you need a good response to "why did you leave your last employer" that isn't something negative or something that sounds like, "I got fired for unwarranted reasons." You need a story that puts a positive spin on it, and if you can't come up with that, then you need a statement that shows that you are taking repsonsibility for yourself and your actions. Even if you feel strongly that your former employers were total jerks and completely screwed you over, you must NEVER, EVER, EVER say anything that even hints at that in an interview.
2006-08-09 19:37:25 · answer #2 · answered by jackmack65 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most companies will only confirm the dates that you were employed. The major reason is because you can potentially sue the organization for slander - and win. You don't want to have to sue because litigation takes time and its a pain.
The best thing to do in the case of a questionable reference is to have a friend pose as a potential employer and call the reference. See what they say. If you only worked there for a short period of time and the reference isn't absolutely critical just leave it out.
Sometimes companies never even bother to confirm your references if its an entry-level position. Anyways, good luck.
2006-08-09 19:40:05 · answer #3 · answered by Robert M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your old employer is not allowed to say anything "bad" about you unless you were actually convicted, so they will be polite, factual, and non-commital. Your prospective employer will read this as indifference, and if you interviewed well, and are suited to the position, you may get the job.
This is a second chance for you. Develop a genuine interest, or go work for yourself. Only a fool would spend 8 hours a day doing something he did not really enjoy, just to pay the rent!
Good luck...
2006-08-09 19:38:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next time (if there is one), think on your feet. Say yes, but take this opportunity to tell them why you were fired and why you feel it was unjust.
Your interviewer will ask whether you worked there. A previous employer is only required to verify that you worked there, and the dates of employment. Some may volunteer more info, but they don't have to. The interviewer may ask whether you were reliable, trustworthy, had a good work ethic etc. and the responder may answer, but he is not required to. Good luck - and next time, look interested!
2006-08-09 19:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've helped my friends discover the answer to this question, so I'm helping you as well. Have a trusted friend call your references posing as a potential employer. Have him or her ask standard questions, like:
1. When did so and so work for you?
2. What were his or her duties and job title?
3. Were you pleased with this person's work performance?
4. AND HERE'S YOUR CATCH-ALL: Off-the-record, would you hire that person again? (If "no", ask "why not?")
2006-08-09 19:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by Mike S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I recall the labor laws correctly (don't take my word for this, check with the labor department) they can't give out information on the reason you were fired. BUT!!! (There's always a BUT, isn't there?) If asked, they can tell the company with which you have applied, "No, we would not hire that person again." Read what you will into that statement because they do.
2006-08-09 19:38:20 · answer #7 · answered by Albannach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know, I would recommend you find out first hand, by having a friend " pretend" to be calling about your references. There are limits to what information can legally be shared by your last employer...but that may vary state to state for all I know OR your old boss may ignore such rules. For example, where I work, only dates of employment and re-hirability are supposed to be discussed...good luck!
2006-08-09 19:40:54 · answer #8 · answered by rachprime 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋