John, bullying isn't illegal, but a hostile workplace based on your race, religion, gender etc. is. Those laws are enforced at both the federal and state level, but they're civil rather than criminal.
JD, it's not sneaky to simply ask a former employer for his or her assessment of a candidate. It's pretty normal, actually! For instance, if a candidate applies for a job with me and I see she used to work with someone I know and respect, I'd be foolish not to ask that person for their take.
Alison Greenof DC12:33PM January 25, 2012
It seems to me that going about asking references in a sneaky way only invites desperation and eventual dishonesty. You can't really demand integrity, then turn around and punish it.
As well, there is significant legal recourse if a former disgruntled employer is giving a false account of your work experience. You can file a lawsuit for slander, and while you may not win, the employer will still be responsible for recooperating the financial losses that hiring an attorney will bring if the slander can't be substantiated. Call the reference yourself, prior, tape the conversation.
It's simply not worth it, in most cases, for an employer to give a poor reference.
Jdof CA11:26AM January 25, 2012
#6 really is a big point. How can they fairly and logically see with an open mind that some direct bosses aren't worth listening to and the direct boss was clearly the one sided problem as a bully who is clearly out of it and harasses and lacks ethics or people skills? Even if they say employers are really trying to hear what past bosses say more, are they referring to more senior bosses as well who could be a level or more above your immediate or direct supervisor? Thank God I have had my share of good bosses usually and it is very sad my previous golden boss who is above my supervisor left. Now our Senior Vice President who is usually two levels above my immediate supervisor is the go to person and is golden.
Also, w/ #7--what can one do when even after contacting the HR Dpt of what one can do regarding this clearly bad boss's unacceptable behavior and the HR Dpt doesn;t care and keeps acting corrupt and unacceptable wrecking more of their character? Would it call for getting FBI or other legal people involved?
Plus, has there ever been Law Enforcement such as police or FBI involved with a workplace bullying or hostility case right away which had all the true bad apples canned?
Lastly, isn't owning one's own business the best thing? One doesn't have to deal w/ pple who are too toxic and is in full control, huh?
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Alison Green of DC 12:33PM January 25, 2012
Jd of CA 11:26AM January 25, 2012
John Doe of AL 10:26AM January 25, 2012