Re:Ask HN: Who is firing?
by slgeorge on Wednesday November 02, 2016 @12:08PM
(#12856285)
It may not happen, but many companies believe it could happen. Consequently, they say next to nothing about ex-employees - only the dates of employment. If you're the company being asked for the reference there is no upside in you saying that Joe was fired - why would you want to help another company, and why would you want to risk (however infinitesimal) a law suit. This is commonly defined by policy, simply ask the last company that you worked at what their policy is for references and what data they will reveal.
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Re:Ask HN: Who is firing?
by hanginghyena on Wednesday November 02, 2016 @12:44PM
(#12856712)
Sadly that is trivial to get around these days, especially if someone at the new company knows someone at the old one.
Most professionals I know are happy to "bend" policy to give a respected colleague or personal friend a good reference, especially if that person is on the street.
If the company clams up and limits its response to name, rank and serial number, that's a huge red flag.
I've worked for places that will not say anything about you at all. Nothing. They refuse to even say if you worked there or not, instead referring you to a service they use called The Work Number or something like that.
It's really frustrating to try to look for a job when your potential employer really has a limited way of checking your references.
I get that part, but even if past employer A said something to potential B, why would B say anything to me? It's just going to involve them in something they don't want to be part of in the first place.