Is this illegal?

Question

I have been faxing resumes from my job is this wrong or illegal?

Answer 1

Haha. Its not illegal - just make sure they don't fax anything BACK to you that you don't want anyone to see

Answer 2

Actually, it could very well be illegal, but not for the reason you think. The Federal Trade Commission has specific rules and regulations which forbid unsolicited faxes from a business without previous ties to the receiver.

Therefore, by faxing your resume, you could inadvertantly be commiting a violation of FTC regulations for which your company would be held liable.

Also, as you have been told, it is an offense and misuse of company assets which can get you fired even with an employment contract.

Answer 3

Yes, it is theft of services to be using company resources for your personal convenience (and taking a salary while you're taking advantage of the company), and it is a breach of your fiduciary obligation to your present employer: exposing them (and their fax number) to competitors on ever fax you transmit, putting your company in a negative light. Think of how you are going to explain in a job interview why you were fired and escorted out by security from your present job.

Not only should a recipient of your faxed resume not hire you, they should fax back a letter to Human Resources, with a copy of your resume attached, asking for an explanation of why they have received this from the company.

Answer 4

Personal use of the fax machine during work hours is likely against company policy. If you don't want to get fired before you get a new job, use a Kinkos or fax through your computer at home.

Answer 5

No its not illegal. However it is bad work ethic and if your boss finds out that you are using paid time to look for another job I can guarentee you that you will not be there much longer.

I'd suggest perhaps after work (depending how your boss is) saying to him I have a few things to fax, I'm off the clock, do you mind if I fax them?. Or just go to the Post office, or a mail store where you can fax them.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Many employers have a policy stating that you may only use the office fax machine for work related purposes. In this case yes it would be "illegal" within your company. It is not unethical however, because you have the right to seek new employment.

Answer 7

Check your Employee Handbook. If it states that you aren't allowed to then it's illegal. It doesn't have to state specifically about faxing your resume but just state that you aren't allowed to use company material or time for personal use or gain.

Additional: People saying that it isn't illegal are mistaken. If it is against written company policy, then it's illegal. That is why they can legally fire you if you break written company policy.

Answer 8

it is not illegal to fax resumes on your employers fax machine, but it may show a poor work ethic and future employers may not be pleased to the date/time heading with your current employers name and fax number printed across the top as well.

Answer 9

It isn't illegal, just wrong. Not to mention your current employer's name is probably going to show up on the fax receipt, or number line of the received fax which may look a little shady to a prospective employer.

Answer 10

It's not illegal, applying for another job is not illegal. If you are currently working for another company, you'd have to be careful - you wouldn't want to be caught because that can give your boss reason to doubt that you're cut out for the job. He/She might think you're not happy with your job now and wouldn't think twice before letting you go.

Maybe you can just use e-mail or snail mail it. It's more private and direct.