I've been applying and applying to several job openings and have gotten NO Responses - not even a "no thanks" letter or email or phone call.
Is it a good idea to have someone you know call your past jobs - act like a new employer - and find out what they are saying about you?
I know there are services for this - but they want $60 per call.
And right now without a job - I can't afford that.
And if you do that - what do you do about a past employer who doesn't really tell the truth?
2007-10-18 07:59:52 · 8 answers · asked by Shawn M 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
You are asking 2 different questions. The lack of response that you are getting is common place these days in the hiring process. If for what ever reason you are weeded out from consideration for a job, you most likely not get a response. You have to figure about a 1% response rate to the pubished job market. And that's 1% for both positive AND negative response. For best results, try to find who the hiring manager is for the position and call them to follow up your applications.
I don't think that a potential employer will contact your former employers until they contact you to get the ball rolling that way. The HR department will not waste any time on someone who doesn't fit their "mold" for the position or someone who really isn't interested in the position.
Now another point, your former employers can only basically confirm that you worked there, for how long, and what your title was. So calling them isn't necessary, but potentially interesting to confirm that they are complying with the law.
The people that you potentally want to call are your references. You have freed your new, potential employer to ask more in depth questions of people who you list as references about you and your performance. Your references and former employers are usually (and sometimes must) be different people. Research a small number of good questions that are asked to references and have your friend call them.
2007-10-18 08:41:20 · answer #1 · answered by Mark S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well they are not supposed to say bad things about you. They can say good things. They can NOT say the reason for why you were fired (if that was the case). I also thought that the new employeers would need your permission to contact your old employer. But, its worth a shot to have a friend contact them, you cant lose anything.
ps. After your interview are you sending a "thank you" letter to them?
2007-10-18 08:08:44 · answer #2 · answered by LNP 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most human resourses depts are just supposed to CONFIRM you that have been employed by the company and for the time period stated, if i were you I would call and see if that is what is happening, and yes act like you are a potential employer, it couldnt hurt, then you can find out! good luck!
2007-10-18 08:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
When they give you the answer Im gonna do the same that way I know who to take off of my resume. Good question!
2007-10-18 08:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by eye_candy380 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, I dont think they are allowed to say anything bad about you. They can either praise you or say nothing at all. Can you try using a different source for a recommendation and see if your results change?
2007-10-18 08:04:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
URBAN MYTH, potential employers and past employers can ask and tell anything they want as long as it is the truth, I.E.
Pay rate,attendance,work ethic,reason for leaving, attitude, aptitude,etc. As long as it is the truth.
2007-10-18 08:34:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
That is such a good idea! Because, I have been having the same trouble.
2007-10-18 08:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by Banana Pancakes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before taking that drastic step, have you had your resume reviewed?
2007-10-18 08:05:26 · answer #8 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋