What are former employers allowed to tell other employers about you?

Question

What are former employers allowed to tell other employers about you?

when you use an old employer for a reference for another job, what can they legally tell the other employer about you?

Can they tell them if you were Fired or Quit?

Can they say the reason's they fired some one?

Can they tell how much you were paid?

how long you worked there?

What your job title was?

What else can they tell and can they not tell some one?

What can a personal reference tell about you?

Answer 1

They are only supposed to answer the ques-Would you hire this person? That's all. No other questions. Not sure about the personal reference. But if you have a personal reference listed I would imagine you put that persons name down because they would give you only a great reference right?? If your not sure than do not put their name down.

Answer 2

the only two things they can say is the dates of employment and your annual salary...thats it. the only way they can give additional info is if you used someone in the company as a reference and that is totally up to you.

Answer 3

Rick B is exactly right on the money.  

Answer 4

Either a former employer or a personal reference can legally say anything that is true.

Answer 5

Legally, companies and people can say anything about you that is true, since telling the truth is a defense against a charge of slander.  

However, many companies have gotten conservative in what they are willing to say, since anything subjective can be the source of a complaint and they are taking some risk by being too negative or too positive.  As a result, many companies have decided to just release the basics; date of hire, date of termination, and title.  Compensation is confidential, so ideally would not be reported verbally or in writing without a release from you.

Business references tend to be more forthcoming, but are almost universally "excellent".  They are useful sources to double-check job duties and strengths and weaknesses, though.  

Answer 6

Legally, the only thing an ex employer can say is (1) how long you worked for them (2) what your duties were and (3) if they would hire you again (unfortunately, that is a question that they are legally able to answer).  

But, I read in the business journal that it may be illegal to give out personal information and any information that may be your file (write ups, etc.)  they tend to do it anyway, especially if you worked closely or directly with management and happen to not get along with that particular person or person(s).

Answer 7

All they can tell them is your dates of employment and if you are eligible for rehire or not.

That's it!

A personal reference can say anything they want.  There is no law that governs an individual as long as they don't slander you.

Answer 8

they can only give out dates of employment.

Answer 9

OBVIOUSLY alot of people are answering this question that have no idea of employment laws.

IT IS A MYTH that they cannot say anything negative about you to a future employer.

A MYTH.

What they can say:  Anything that can be proven (such as a failed drug test, being late all the time.

What they can't say:  Johnny was a crappy employee and we are glad he's gone.

You see the difference???

What an employer CHOOSES to close and what he can LEGALLY disclose is NOT the same thing folks!!!

They can tell if you were fired/quit....they can say the reason if it can be proven...they can disclose your salary....how long you worked there, your job title.