Is it illegal to tell someone's boss you've received their resume?

Question

Recently I sent my CV to another company in the same industry. Someone who works at that company is a friend of my boss and called him and told him about having seen my resume.

My boss told me that his friend had dimed me out and now he is making veiled threats about firing me because he "can't depend on me being there in the future".

I live in an Employment at Will state, so I assume I have no recourse against my company should they terminate me.

My question is - was it illegal for the person who saw my CV at the other company to dime me out to my boss? Does a person have a legal expectation of confidentiality when they submit a resume in confidence?

I work in a very small industry where everyone knows someone at just about every other company so it's difficult to search for a job discreetely. However, I'm a manager myself and it's always been my policy that while I may inquire about someone, I NEVER call their current company for fear of jeopardizing their job.

Answer 1

not illegal, but surely immoral.

Answer 2

Illegal, no. However the person that let another know that they received your resume is not someone you can trust, nor someone you want to work for.

The threats are illegal. Since your boss is already being difficult, you will not face any additional grief if you take your complaint to HR. At this point, your boss has you on the short list, and should lay offs happen, you will be let go first. Talk with HR, let them know of his not so subtle, threats, and make an official complaint.

Going forward, use a recruiter. They can send your resume over for job postings, and not have any of your personal information on the resume. The contact is your recruiter, and their phone number etc is on resume sent over. Should you be selected to interview the recruiter can make sure that the people interviewing you know that you have a current job, and that any searches are strictly confidential.

Answer 3

It is not illegal. Why would it be? I think it is inappropriate for one boss to call another and tell him about the resume.

Since you are aware that it's a small industry, you should have known that another industry person might tell your boss.

Never send resumes to the same type companies. Bosses/Managers talk to each other. Why would it be illegal to tell your bosss? You learned a difficult lesson.

It was your choice, knowing both bosses know each other.

Bosses can do whatever with resumes they receive.
Unless you put on the resume and cover letter,
"Confidential,"anyone can discuss with whomever they choose. It lacks integrity, but, nothing you can do about it.

Next time, be more careful where you send your resume, especially if you think your boss will find out. Next time use an employment agency.

Answer 4

It's not illegal for the person to call up their collegue and let them know. Just like if you apply for a job where the company name is not listed and you can find out it's your current company. (Yes, I've had that happen in H.R. where a current employee sends in their application for an opening that we have) It's a chance that you take when you start sending out your resume. People call each other to check references and job information. It's not nice that the person did that, and they certainly put you in a bad spot. But being at-will means that they can let you go "at-will". Suggest you go in and speak to the boss since they already know you are looking. Let them know that you will give them notice when you do leave and will work up until your last day in a professional manner.

Answer 5

If your "friend was not the hiring manager and did not have authority to look at your resume than yes it is illegal. Another way this may be illegal is if on your resume or application if you stated for them not to contact your current employer than it is illegal. It is also illegal for your boss to fire you for looking for another job though.

Antoher idea, you may want to talk to your boss about why you were looking for another job and tell him if one day you did find another job you would give him plenty of notice and be willing to train a replacement before leaving. Tell him you enjoy your job and treat the situation like an adult.

Answer 6

It happens all the time -- it's why people in management make connections with other people in management. Not illegal activity, though.

And you have to see your boss' side -- you are his employee and you're sending out your resume to other companies ... how valuable to him are you then?

You didn't do anything wrong in trying to improve yourself, just understand that your boss is simply trying to protect the company.

Answer 7

That's so sleazy that they did that. Well, you haven't been fired yet. Fight sleazy with sleazy - tell your current boss you have no intention of leaving, that you were just testing the waters, hold your job for a while, then continue to look.

Answer 8

Certainly highly unethical. I would suggest that you see a lawyer.
If your boss is making veiled threats, can you go to EEO with this as creating a hostile environment?

Answer 9

If he fires you because you put your resume in somewhere else you can actually sue your boss for unfair firing. There is nothing wrong with putting in your resume for a better job or for more money. No one can hold you hostage because you want to improve your life.

Answer 10

I don't have an answer for you on this, but it does seem wrong and completely tactless. This jerk put your current job in jeopardy. I would call an attorney or your Employment Board.
My heart sincerely goes out to you.

Answer 11

Wow......no, he overstepped his boundaries!! If it's not illegal, it's certainly unprofessional.....I really do think it is illegal though.....he could get you fired!! However, there's probably not much you could do about it.......if you did take it to court or whatever they'd probably both just lie about it!!