When a recruiter calls your old job....do they ask for exact dates that you worked at a job?

Question

I'm filling out an application and my question is when a recruiter calls your old jobs to find out more about you what do they ask? Do they ask to speak to your old manager or whoever answers the phone? Do they ask for the exact dates that you worked at a job? Does anyone know what all they ask?

Answer 1

They should speak to someone in supervision only. By law, they are only allowed to verify employment, not divulge wage or even work attitude, or whether you just quit or resigned. But some people are vindictive, and its hard to prove if you were "back stabbed" by your old boss.

Answer 2

as a general manager who has involved with plenty of hiring, yes...if they choose to (and they should), they would do a sort of a mini background check to see how long you worked there, your status when you left (good or bad terms), your strengths and weaknesses (though most places won't answer that question). They generally want to know if you were steady at work, didn't have any big major issues, and performed your duties. A big thing is finding out why you were dismissed from your previous job..which sheds light on the type of employee you are going to be for them

Answer 3

My husband was a USMC Marine Recruiter. They don't necessarily have to call your old job. They are more concerned about your background (criminal, misdemeanor, drugs, etc.). If they do decide to call, they only ask for what date you started working there, if you're still working there, or if you quit. Other than that, it's mostly just a background check; making sure you haven't committed any type of crime.

I forgot to mention that when you apply, make sure you answer them with honesty in writing and in person. They will ask questions, so please answer them honestly so they can kind of speed things up.

Good luck!

: )

Answer 4

you bet! for whatever reason, employment gaps make recruiters nervous. as far as speaking to prior managers or supervisors, most HR departments instruct their management NOT to answer any recruiter questions, but to refer them to HR. if you worked for a small and unsophisticated company, or your prior manager had a grudge against you, anything is possible.

Answer 5

They are going to try to get as much as possible, including those dates, but I think there are a lot of things that they are looking for rather than those.

Answer 6

in most states they are limited to what they can ask. It is normal to just ask for dates worked and if they are re-hirable at this time.