I Have a Legal Question.

[Clear Lake Horn]

This past week I contacted Robert Half (RHI), a placement firm, for help in finding a job. They told me that as a matter of their internal policy they have to get my most recent supervisor’s opinion. I told them that this policy would be bad for me as I was dismissed from my last job. Of course, this guy is going to give a bad review. I asked the RHI rep what happens if I get a bad review from this person. She told me policy states she would have to kick the matter up to a regional manager who would then make a decision on whether or not RHI would accept me as a candidate.

Although I feel I was wrongly accused and dismissed I was willing to leave the whole distasteful experience behind and move forward. But now it appears that my former supervisor is preventing or hampering my ability to get a job elsewhere.

I wonder if this testimony given by my former supervisor is legal? Unethical? Or perfectly ok? Do the circumstances of my dismissal matter? My dismissal was a complete surprise to me. I was only with this company for 10 weeks. My supervisor along with the CFO conference called me while I was at lunch to dismiss me. I was given no reasons why I was dismissed nor was I given the chance to come back to the office and address any concerns.

I am all against frivolous lawsuits. However, I feel like my ability to avail myself to the best accounting placement firm in Houston has been denied due to personal testimony of my former supervisor.

Can somebody point me in the right direction? What type of lawyer would handle this case? Am I wasting my and the lawyer’s time with pursuing? I just don’t know what to do.

 

[BattleshipTexas]

Not a legal answer, but what did you do ten weeks before that last job? Most people who were fired that quickly consider the short term job a near nonevent and just refer to a reference from their past job from ten weeks ago. Depending on how specific the questions are/were. If your last job from ten weeks ago loved you, you shouldn't have too much trouble. But if you are 2 for 2 and both employers hated you, maybe you have some other problems than legal ones to sort out. How can you sue your old supervisor, he hasn't said anything yet, you just are assuming what he will say. Many companies have "no comment" policies other than dates of employment. From what you have said, there is no "personal testimony of your former supervisor" except in your anticipation of what he will say. You can only sue people for stuff they've done, not what you expect they will do.

 

[Clear Lake Horn]

Not sure what the first part of your post is talking about. I only got fired once. And I know for sure that my former supervisor has given testimony. I know this because the RHI account rep admitted as much and said she has already had to refer the matter to the regional manager.

I know it was a mistake now to mention that prior job. It's funny I was being honest. You are suggesting that I lie about the prior job, right?

 

[Macanudo]

Not lie. Omit.

 

[zzzz]

You have nothing to gain by mentioning it. Even if it were a prestigious firm, it looks suspicious to have worked there for such a short time.

 

[Clear Lake Horn]

ok, I have already admitted it was a mistake to mention that job. but I can't undo that now.

My real question is whether I can do something about this guy that a) lied to the CFO and b) prevented me from using RHI.

incidentally, I found out from a coworker of mine that the CFO that fired me has himself been fired. I really didn't go into the details much because it would take a lot of typing and I don't think it's needed.

 

[idigTexas]

I don't have any legal opinions either, but I think you need general advice in this instance.

Use a different placement firm. Omit the most recent position on you job history (and don't feel about doing so). Don't look back. You should be focusing on finding an employer that is a better fit, rather than focusing on how to make the last one pay for getting rid of you.

It sucks that you were uncermoniously dismissed under questionable circumstances, but any company that treats their employees that way probably isn't worth working for.

 

[pasotex]

potentially, you have a claim for slander

I do not have much time right now, but I should have some this afternoon or this weekend

feel free to pm me

 

[Loree]

If this person gives you a bad review without having documented evidence they can be in a lot of trouble.

I am a recruiter and I get references for people all the time. It is my personal policy to try to get random references not just from bosses but co-workers as well to get a better idea what this person is really like.

The regional mgr of RHI is often at the hornfan tailgates. And I have a good friend who heads up the London office, but this particular branch has a LOT of turnover. I would look into contacting some other firms. Management Recruiters is usually a safe bet.

 

[Clear Lake Horn]

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[Clear Lake Horn]

Thanks to the kindness of some fellow Longhorn fans, I think I have a solution to my problem This site is great.