I was dumfounded to find out recently that my current employer won't give out references to ANYBODY, because of fear of legal repercussions if they supply misleading information, apparently. Are they allowed to do this?! I am trying to apply for jobs at the moment where they require references to cover your previous 3 years of employment, but I won't be able to give them this.
It's so unfair, I'm a very good employee, even if I do say so myself!!
2007-01-26 06:13:51 · 16 answers · asked by Luke 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Wow, thanks for all the answers so far. It's good at least, to know that it's not that uncommon. I always knew the company I work for is a buit stingy, but considering I bend over backwards to do my best, and work countless hours unpaid on top of my usual working hours, it seems like a bit of a 'slap in the face with a wet kipper' as my Granny would say.
2007-01-26 06:25:42 · update #1
It is a company's prerogative whether or not to give a reference. However, you can, and absolutely should, list them in your work history with a contact number. At the very least, they are obliged to verify that you did, indeed work there.
If you do need a reference as to your work ethic, schedule, maybe even your pay, you could ask a former co-worker if they wouldn't mind being the reference - and on your application/resume you should indicate them as such & a short sentence of why. "Due to company policy to not provide reference, with permission I am utilizing a former co-worker."
2007-01-26 06:24:07 · answer #1 · answered by Lucy_Fur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I can't believe you asked your current employer for a reference. NEVER do this. Your prospective company will understand. You can provide them with a co-worker which I've found they accept. As for your current company not providing a reference, why would they? If they want you to stay, they don't want to build you up. If they don't like you, they legally can't give you a bad reference. A 'no comment' is basically the same thing. Tell your prospective company that the reason they won't provide a reference is because they want you to stay.
2007-01-26 06:29:16 · answer #2 · answered by r_leucht 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, companies are allowed to do this and many have this as a policy. I have heard this has come about is because many companies have been sued for giving "bad" references, even unintentionally.
A former company I worked for was sued by a former employee, and the company lost. She sued on the basis that the reference we gave her jeopardized her from seeking other employment opportunities. It was true too because our office manager literally said, "she's a nice girl but sometimes can be a ding-bat"
2007-01-26 07:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by dudeinnorcal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most companies won't give you a reference. The HR department will only confirm that you worked for them and for how long your worked with them. They will not give any information about any reviews you had or anything that might be in your employee file. However, you can still ask people you've worked for/with to be a personal reference. I have had my past managers and fellow engineer be references for me.
2007-01-26 06:25:35 · answer #4 · answered by AW 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One solution would be to advise the prospective employer the companies policy regarding references. Offer to show them pay stubs or W-2 forms that will show you worked for that employer and verify your wage earned while you worked there. You can ask for a letter of reference but I would be willing to bet that if they won't verify employment to an outside agency they probably won't give you a letter of reference either.
2007-01-26 06:30:43 · answer #5 · answered by hr4me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are allowed to do this and many companies follow this course of action to avoid law suits.
Most companies will however confirm that you worked for them from--to.
Employers do understand this and in my experience (30+ years of management) what you look for is a history of work rather than judgements of ability which may be clouded of even falsified. You make your own assessment at the interview, lets face it, your interpretation of good may be someone elses excellent, satisfactory or poor.
2007-01-26 23:21:43 · answer #6 · answered by streetblitzer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Companies are not required by law to give refs, most use a refusal as a bad ref, the reason behind this because by law they can't give a bad one so by refusing it looks bad without saying so
2007-01-26 06:25:42 · answer #7 · answered by Chunky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a personal reference from someone who worked with (preferably) over you. also hr should at least type a letter saying how long you were there and why you left, and you can ask for a copy of your employee file so you'll have your performance reviews to show people.
2007-01-26 06:19:49 · answer #8 · answered by Bored Enough To Be Here 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If their policy really is to not give referneces first off, you're better off somewhere else, and second, you shouldask them for a letter stating that this is their policy and your dates of employment to cover yourself. Get personal references or ask other individuals you have interacted with in a businesslike manner to give you a reference.
2007-01-26 06:21:21 · answer #9 · answered by imnotachickenyoureaturkey 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is not uncommom at all. Most companies will provide proof that you worked there but as far as references go you are out of luck. Sorry.
2007-01-26 06:22:34 · answer #10 · answered by jabro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋