Is it legal for interviewer to contact present employer if I ask them not to?

Question

I recently went on an interview where I checked off that I do not want my present employer contacted. In the interview, I discovered one of the five people I met with used to run the area where I presently work and I informed him that my direct manager is aware that I am interviewing and can be contacted, but I prefer if that was the only person he contact if needed , as I do not want everyone to know ( I spoke to my manager about possibly interviewing elsewhere and he said he would keep it quiet). I called in sick the day of the interview as opposed to taking a personal day and the next day the head of my department (who it turns out was hired by the interviewer years before) told me I had to take a personal day and not a sick day for where I was yesterday. I don't know if the interviewer told him prior to me going (which I suspect) or after the interview, but I have two questions. One, is what the interviewer did legal? Two, it is unprofessional and what might I do about it? Tks

I recently went on an interview where I checked off on application that I do not want my present employer contacted. In the interview, I discovered one of the five people I met with used to run the area where I presently work and I informed him that my direct manager is aware that I am interviewing and can be contacted, but I prefer if that was the only person he contact if needed , as I do not want anyone else to know (I spoke to my manager about possibly interviewing elsewhere and he said he would keep it quiet). The next day the head of my department (who it turns out was hired by the interviewer years earlier) told me he was aware that I interviewed elsewhere. I don't know if the interviewer told him prior or after interview. Is what the interviewer did legal? Also, it is unprofessional and what might I do about it? The head of my department found out directly from the interviewer, who I clearly informed in writing and orally that I only wanted my manager contacted if needed.

Sorry about being redundant. I'm new to this and thought it would replace my original question. Basically, I gave permission to contact one person only and specifically requested no one else be made aware of my interview. I feel my confidentilaity was breached and want to know if there is anything that could or should be done about it. Thanks again.

Answer 1

Not unless you give permission, either on application or on resume.

Answer 2

It is legal in the US - unfortunately, the employment community is often a small one and word gets around unofficially as you have discovered. If you don't want your present employer to know you're interviewing, best not to give any contact info at all and in fact make it VERY clear that confidentiality is required.

It is unprofessional to breach the trust of a prospective employee (would you really want to work for a place that does this even before you are hired?) However, there is not much you can do about it at this point since you effectively gave permission to contact your manager, and I would guess that permission was given verbally rather than in writing - so it would be your word vs. the interviewer's.

Sorry - lesson learned for next time, eh?

Answer 3

In Canada that would be considered a breach of the privacy act and the interviewer is in the wrong. If the person he/she contacted gave them any information about you they are in the wrong as well.

Answer 4

i've got continuously been advised that it seems as in case you have a concern which you do no longer choose the potential corporation to verify approximately. i do no longer understand that it would shrink your opportunities, yet they could question your integrity a sprint greater. perhaps you ought to verify it then, if given the possibility clarify why you do no longer choose them to touch your contemporary corporation. do no longer understand if that's quite reliable suggestion or no longer by fact I certainly have continuously checked sure. perhaps to you ought to easily bypass away it open as in case you probably did no longer see it or something. although that could make you look as in case you at the instant are not very efficient. reliable success in spite of you do.

Answer 5

Nope. Not legal especially if you suffered a consequence. I'm in the U.S.

Answer 6

I think you blew it when you said contact if necessary.

Answer 7

legal or not they sure will and you will never know will you?