On job applications, when they ask "may we contact you past employers"?

Question

what can your past employers legally tell your potential new employers?

If they were to contact them.

I'm still at my job, and don't plan on leaving anytime soon.

But there was someone who was going to leave, w/o giving any notice to the head boss, he found out, and told her he was going to call where she was going to work and tell them what a lazy worker she was(which is true). But could he call them?

Answer 1

They have to be factual, not emotional. A former colleague of mine knew a man who sued & won (CAD1,500) his former employer because he completely trashed his personality to a company inquiring about a reference. (The worker did everything right. His only "crime" is that he started looking for another job. His present employer did not want to let him go).

Answer 2

Since I have worked in human resources, they can release a lot of information legally. But it has to be factual, not opinion.

For instance, an employer cannot say someone is rude because that is based on a person's opinion. But an employer can state that the person had 5 instances of problems with other employees or customers. That is factual, especially if it is documented.

However, most employers won't say anything more than dates of employment, job title and last wage.

The reason they ask if htey can contact your past employers is that you are giving them permission and that releases the employer from a potential lawsuit.

However, if you don't allow them to contact a previous employer, that is an automatic red flag. When I was in human resources and reviewing applications, if someone did not want me to contact a previous employer, I most likely would look for a better candidate. My reason, that probably means that there was a problem at the workplace and I have an obligation to make sure I hire the person who will be the most successful in this position. And since there could be repercussions if I contacted that employer without their permission, I can't find out what happened.

Personally, I would rather an applicant tell me up front that they had problems at a previous job and what they have learned from that experience and how they will improve it, than try to pretend like they were the perfect employee. I'm a believer in 2nd chances, especially if the employee is willing to learn from mistakes.

Answer 3

They can tell them 3 three things:

1) Dates of employment

2) Your overall job performance--usually a 1 word answer like "satisfactory," etc.

3) Whether you're coded for rehire. FYI, this is the biggie! If an employer says "no," then that means that under no circumstances, would this employer rehire you for any job anytime in the furture! Now you must have done something pretty bad in order to never ever be rehired for even the lowest job in the world needing no skills.

Answer 4

Legally, your past employers may only provide the following info:

1) Confirm the dates you were employed
2) If you're eligible for rehire

They can not release your salary or the circumstances under which you left.

This is why most employers have an automated system to conduct employment verifications.

If they contact your last boss direct however, legally they can only release the above information, however, they most likely will be directed to HR. This doesn't necessarily stop your boss though from saying things about you under their breath if you left on bad terms. SO...NEVER give out your last boss' direct phone, always give the phone number to HR.

Answer 5

They can tell them anything they like as long as they can back it up with written records or witnesses and it must be applicable to the questions being asked. Most past employers won't do anything except verify that you did work for them and possibly give some sort of attendance record. They seldom give their opinion (that can be slander) and often won't even give the reason that you left, unless you left on great terms. They'll just tell the prospective employer that they can't give that information, and the employer will respect that. Sounds like you did something you don't want them to find out about- relax, most employers won't even say things like (she/he stole that, did drugs, da da da). To be straight forward, yes, legally, they can tell pretty much any relevent, proven info. For the sake of protection against slander lawsuits, most past employers will verify employement dates, and that's it.

Answer 6

i'd contact the corporation in human being vs. on line when you consider that your difficulty has an concern that could no longer suitable for the style provided. i imagine your causes for no longer wishing to provide a launch are comprehensible. yet, now and again, an information superhighway format does no longer in tremendous condition all situations. clarify your difficulty by skill of telephone call and ask to be on the interview record. you are able to document the web with the observe "deferred."

Answer 7

Yes they should be able to you don't want them thinking your hiding anything. Just to make sure though only put down the good past employers not one who is going to rubbish you. This site has good resources.

Answer 8

They can't say whether they "liked" you or didn't like you, but they can discuss tardiness, work attitude, reliability, etc. Most companies don't follow through with that step (calling former employers) anyways!! Good luck!!!

Answer 9

I'm not sure they're legally able to answer much more than verify your dates of employment, job title, and wage.

Answer 10

Well unless you left on a bad note, then those previous employers can say whatever they want, professionally that is.