2007-12-11 05:41:30 · 5 answers · asked by bearzgirl 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Anything that is accurate.
Generally, statements made by a former employer to inquiries from a prospective employer can be made without fear of being sued later. However, that protection is lost if there are any suggestions, inferences, innuendoes, etc. that would lead a prospective employer to believe something misleading or untruthful about the employee. The difficulty is proving that the statements were inaccurate and wrong. Sometimes you can avoid your former supervisor's input by specifically suggesting another person in management who can better recommend you. Also, many human resources departments give only neutral references, such as the date you started, the date you left, and your salary information.
2007-12-11 05:46:08 · answer #1 · answered by MrOrph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anything they want to.
If, however, they lie about you, then you can sue them for defamation. If what they say is true, though, they're fine.
As an aside, if they lie and say you were 'better' than you really were, then the new employer "might" have grounds for a successful lawsuit.
We had a case in CA recently where an employee was fired for gross incompetence. She applied for a job with a competitor, who called the old employer for a reference. The old employer told the new one that the employee was wonderful, highly skilled, very reliable, they were very sorry she'd quit.
Shortly after starting the new job, she "poked the pooch" big time and cost her new employer a lot of money. The sued the old employer and won compensation on the grounds that they'd never have hired her if her old employer had told the truth about her.
Richard
2007-12-11 06:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the employer. Some companies will not release any information. Some companies will give out information freely. And others will require a request in writing, detailing info requesting, with a signature release from that person. It really depends on the company. Sometimes they may even approach the direct supervisor. Most of the time they are just looking for the basic info.
2007-12-11 05:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally to protect themselves....you were employed there from one point in time to another point in time. That is just about it....unless you are seeking employment by a law enforcement agency and you have signed a waiver permitting your former employers to discuss fully your employment history with them.
Off the record conversations are always had between two employers who know each other. Those off the record conversations are very short...."would you hire them again"....yes or no answer usually dictates if you are employable with the new employer.
2007-12-11 05:47:24 · answer #4 · answered by malter 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can tell them anything. The question then is what can you do about it. You can sue them for liable. Other then that not much.
2007-12-11 05:45:55 · answer #5 · answered by sfavorite711 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋