Can employers contact past employers without your permission?

Question

I am looking for another second job because I was recently let go from my other job not for my performance but because the manager was inappropriate with me and did lots of messed up things and I stood up and told him I wasn't going to allow it. (and no I don't mean just petty stuff) I am actually in the process of getting a lawyer now. I know jobs ask for permission to speak to past employers but I want to check no for the job I just left because obviously the manager will speak ill of me since I told the owner on him and if he was mean to me there.

Can they still contact him? If I explain the situation do they have reason to think I am trying ti hide something. I mean they can contact my employer at my other job can attest to the fact that I am a good employee.

Answer 1

in almost every state the prospective employer does NOT need your permission....



in the few states that do require permission;

if you list the former employer on your application or resume you have in fact and by law given your permission for them to be contacted....



if you check do not contact;

the prospective employer can still contact them, that does not mean they will many employers will honor your request but they are going to wonder why you checked that....



a former employer must be honest if they give a reference, many companies do NOT allow anyone except those trained in HR to give out references for the very reason you have brought up.... most likely this manager would NOT be the one who is contacted,

if they are they must tell the truth or nothing at all....



as a matter of policy many companies only release dates of employment and job titles







and for your own good don't even go down that road of "i am getting a lawyer";

you sound petty & childish, and it makes it look like you are a trouble maker....



















if you have a legitimate complaint,

and have filed it with the EEOC,

and the EEOC has given you a "right-to-sue" letter,

then and only then can you actually sue,

so if you have gotten to that point it is best NOT to discuss it....

http://www.eeoc.gov

Answer 2

Okay, here's the scoop. If your employer knows you are leaving, it is perfectly fine for you to tell another perspective employer "yes, it is ok to contact my present employer". The decision to say yes or no is entirely up to you. However, if you are searching for employment and your current employer has no ideal you are thinking of leaving then, by all means DO NOT tell anyone to contact your current employer.

Answer 3

A job can contact a previous employer you list on a resume or application to verify that you worked there. That's not the same as getting a reference from that employer. They should only contact individuals that you provide as references for a reference. That said, if will look like you are trying to hide something if you say they cannot contact a previous employer at all.

Answer 4

I'd suggest you offer contact info for both the job with the crappy boss and the job where you were appreciated. They also have you to ask regarding the previous jobs, so you can explain yourself if needed. Be honest about your incompatibility with your previous boss, but don't sound bitter.