Why are companies allowed to blacklist former employers?

Question

I feel that I have been blacklisted. It has been almost five years since I have worked. The problem started after leaving AMEX in Georgia. Due to being unemployed, I found time to obtain a Master's Degree in Business and despite being a law abiding citizen, no one has hired me. I live in Florida and can't find employment because I have been unemployed for too long. The sad part is that my credit has suffered extensively. I now have over $100,000 in student loans to repay.

As a result of my job loss I have lost my beautiful house, a cargo van and a 2001 Honda Civic. So, in America companies can do whatever they want to destroy the lives of an employee. I lost my job because I suffered from depression. Is this fair, do I deserve this for being sick?

I would like to reiterate that none of the above mentioned problems are ever mentioned in any of my job interviews.

I would like to reiterate that none of the above mentioned problems are ever disclosed in any of my job interviews.

I would like to reiterate that none of the above mentioned problems are ever disclosed in any of my job interviews.

Answer 1

well, it depends on where you live, but in the US and the UK, it is illegal to black list people. Companies that maintain black lists can and have been successfully prosecuted. The problem is proving you have been black listed.

Good luck.

Answer 2

More then likely the real reason they aren't hiring you has nothing to do with your previous company.

First, sounds like you were out of work for a while. This is a HUGE red flag to any employer. Maybe initially you used the time to get an M.S., but after that it doesn't look good.

Second, you may be asking for a higher salary (or they may assume you'll want a higher salary) than they want to give you. Based on your experience previously you were eligible for a certain salary, but add in the M.S. and they will assume they have to pay you more for the same experience.

Third, you have a lot of baggage that likely none of your employers are aware of but I'll bet it shows. Don't talk about losing all this stuff, don't talk about being desperate for a job, don't talk about suffering from depression. You can disclose depression to your employer AFTER you start and then they don't have the right to terminate you on it as it is a pre-existing condition that they are aware of. Don't talk about your debt, and don't speak negatively of your old employee.

Suggestions: Be positive. Most likely, employers are sensing your negativity. You need to find something to fill your time. Find a local non-profit where maybe you can volunteer for free, or local organizations where you can volunteer your time. Then put these on your resume and keep applying for jobs. You might also try government jobs as the requirements for them are more specifically based on your experience and the absence in work might be less of a red flag. Some employers might check your credit, but usually only when they are about to issue an offer and it doesn't sound like you've gotten that close. Please stay positive and please find something to do with your time. Good luck and keep trying.

Answer 3

It's possible but not terribly likely that your previous employer is actively preventing you from finding a new position. What would be their motivation for such a campaign?

It's more likely that you need a fresh approach to your job hunt. Perhaps you should consider smaller firms or non-profits who would be happy to have someone with your experience and education. It might mean a smaller salary than you would like but it would get you in the game.

Think about volunteering with a large non-profit - it would give you some recent experience and an opportunity to get back in the professional mode.

Consider meeting with a coach who specializes in MBA placement. He/she may be able to help you work on your resume and interviewing skills. Perhaps you are unconsciously underperforming at these meetings.

I think you would do better to concentrate on what you can control and change (namely yourself, methods). There's no point in fixating on your old company.

Also, you are not the first person to have a signficant gap in between jobs. It happens all the time due to illness, education, children, change in home life. You need to put a positive light on your time away from the work force.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I agree with the first poster, that the blacklisting is unlikely. It is true that being unemployed for 5 years may be seen as a downside for you, but if you keep an open mind, that can affect your whole demeanor, and you might make a strong impression on job interviews. Maybe contact trade associations, or your college alumni group- either one might help you network to find leads on new job. I live in Florida, after having lived in NY for many years, and I know that in comparison, Florida is more laid back and casual, and it takes time to adjust. Maybe that's true too for you- especially if you came from the Atlanta area, or other big city.

Answer 5

What you have here is not a blacklisting problem, it is a marketing problem. What company will hire someone who presents themself as a victim who has lost everything and is chronically depressed to boot?

Present yourself as someone who took advantage of an opportunity (layoff) to return to school and complete a master's degree. Talk to your alumni association and school career center to see what assistance they can provide you toward getting a job. Open yourself to relocation to another part of the country. There are jobs out there for MBAs; pull yourself together and one of them will be yours.