Big Trouble! Help!?

Question

'm up for this job, and normally I only put my professional fundraising work. Well in 2004, I got fired from an administrative assistant job and they ran a complete background check on me and found out. Well, they want to contact my former supervisor. Problem is he hates me. I was actually fired with no just cause and because I was friends with someone who he was getting ready to fire. Long story short. Can this guy tell my potential employer anything? And what do I do? Just refer them to the HR department? And what can they tell him?

Can the HR Department say I was terminated?

Answer 1

I would alert them to the fact that there were personality conflicts while you were in that position. Do not give them more details than that. Then direct them to the HR department. HR is limited as to the type of info they can give.

Do worry, you will be fine. It was only one job.

Answer 2

Be careful! Despite what other users are saying your supervisor CAN say anything he wants when they contact him. It is perfectly legal to offer any relevant and TRUTHFUL advice that may impact a company's hiring decision. Obviously, if your supervisor were to make personal remarks about you, that would be inappropriate and illegal. However, he can mention how often you were late/absent, your ability to follow directions, your ability to work with others, etc. The company you're trying to get a job with can't ASK those questions, but that doesn't mean he can't offer that information on his own. Proving it isn't true would be very difficult and most likely require legal council.

The fact that you didn't include that position on your background packet creates the appearance that you are trying to hide that you ever worked there, thereby possibly validating everything your previous supervisor may say.

If they're genuinely interested in hiring you, they may be willing to listen to a professional and calm explanation, but if you seem like you're covering anything up, getting defensive, or holding a grudge, they will probably move on to the next candidate.

Answer 3

They can say you were terminated, but like previous answers, they can't really say why.

Be ready to give a diplomatic answer without giving too much away. For example, don't say, "my previous boss was a d*ck."

Say, instead, "there was a personality conflict" or "there were personal issues."

Hell, tell them you got pulled down along with somebody else. But make it clear that it was a misunderstanding, a clean sweep, that sort of thing.

Try not to make it like, my boss was a meanie and he haaaated me! If you can get hold of any performance reviews that show your work was OK, or if you had any promotions or raises or special responsibilities, make it seem like you were doing fine except for the misunderstanding.

Yeah, it can be a pain. But you're not totally screwed.

I don't think.

Yeah, I'll say you're not totally screwed. One time...oh, doesn't that happen to pretty much everybody? Lots of people have checkered work experience. Don't fret too much, and try to cast yourself in a positive light.

That's what your cover letter and the interview are for.

Answer 4

by law a former employer cannot disclose this type of information,, if someone calls and asks did this person work here (he or she worked here) was this person on time (he or she worked here) was this person a good employee (he or she worked here) the prospect employer will soon get the message, By law you CANNOT say anything negative this will lead to slander and derogation of character

Answer 5

Most times a company will not say anything derogatory because it puts them in a bad position. (Slander, Libel) The usual comment is they do not have a comment, and our verify yes you worked there,and from which date to which

Answer 6

previous answer is right on the money.

Bottom line? be honest.