Employment references in Indiana

[shesemsmom]

Question, does anyone know what a former employer may tell a prospective employer about a fired employee in the state of Indiana. Can the former employer say straight out that he would't give him a reference? Or would not recommend him?Thanks

[DrGonzoLives]

1. In general

No former employer can give you a bad reference - that's blacklisting. The absolute worst reference anyone can give is something like: "Yes, X worked for me doing Y. He worked for me for two years."

That's it, though if you think about it, if a former boss can't find anything good to say about you...you don't need to hear anything negative.

Then again, if someone who fired you gives you a glowing reference...why did the fire you? I smell lawsuit...

[shesemsmom]

2. Thanks

Just as i thought.You may more than smell one you may see one. A big one. Indiana doesn't already have enough trouble..........lol

[Enquiringkitty]

4. it, technically, is illegal for a prospective employer to ask anything

except dates...nothing that the answer and be taken as good or bad....but they can take voluntary info...then they are witness to discrimination.

[Enquiringkitty]

3. I have been told at our employment office that a former employer

may only verify that you worked there, dates of employment, and no criminal charges were filed for any reason. These are public information facts. No personal opinions are allowed by law because of subjectivity, slander issues and counter opinions could lead to law cases.

If you can verify that a former employer has indeed given derogatory personal information that has no official base in fact (such as a police record showing you arrested for stealing), then you can take them to court for slander if they say "We wouldn't hire him again because we caught him stealing.".

Go to the EEOC web site and email your question to them and they will point you to the provision that covers your issue.

[elehhhhna]

5. Have a pal check the reference.

If it's bad, pm me & I'll tell you what to do next.

[shesemsmom]

6. EEOC has no email access. I did email the NLRB and am waiting for

response. Thanks