How to be removed from an employers do-not-rehire list
- What is a do-not-rehire list?
- Reasons why employees are put on a do-not-rehire list
- How to find out if you are on a company's do-not-rehire list
- How to negotiate removing your name from a do not rehire list
- When your prior boss is also the owner of the company
- Other tactics to be removed from a do-not-hire list
Company blacklist or 'do-not-rehire' list
What can you do to get off the list? Here are strategies to get your status changed and get back to work!
Returning to a former employer might seem like the easiest way to get back to work. If you’re hitting a wall trying to get back to a previous job, you could be on the company’s do-not-rehire list. Keep in mind that do-not-hire lists are NOT governed by law, so companies have flexibility in how they maintain and enforce them.
What is a do-not-rehire list?
Many employers use a do-not-rehire list to flag job applicants to human resources, hiring managers, and recruiters. The do-not-rehire list prevents these former employees from being rehired at the company.
Reasons why employees are put on a do-not-rehire list
Typical reasons for exiting employees being put on a do-not-hire list include:
Failing to give two weeks notice when resigning can land you on a blacklist. Some employers are 'strict' about having at least a full 14 days notice; and giving them 13 days may result in your name being added to their do-not-rehire list
Attendance rules during the two week notice period are the same as during regular employment. If there are any instances of unexcused absences during the final days of employment, the employer may add you to the list
Failing to return company property on or before the last day; or surrendering company property to the wrong person
Disciplinary issues during employment: chronic tardiness, not following company rules or standards
Incomplete documents or protocols, like participating in an exit interview
Incorrect records or reporting for any reason: notice periods, attendance / scheduling / vacation, company property, employee discipline and performance, etc.
Often previous there are justified reasons, a misunderstanding or miscommunication that leads to blacklisting.
How to find out if you are on a company's do-not-rehire list
To get the job back, or in some cases get a different job at the same company, you may want to know if you are on the employer's blacklist. With this information you can work toward changing your status, and get back to work.
Contact the HR department and speak to a human resources manager. Do-not-hire lists usually are tracked in HR systems.
Example conversation to ask if you're on a company do-not-rehire list
“I worked for {Company X} for *{three years} *from {September 2017 to August 2020}. I’m eager to return to {Company X}, but I’m having trouble getting an interview. Can you tell me if I’m flagged as ‘do not rehire’?”
If the answer is yes, follow up with, “Can you please tell me why?”
If the answer is no, you may want to review your resume and application, and ensure you’re applying for jobs you have the proper skills and experience for.
How to negotiate removing your name from a do not rehire list
Call the company’s central human resources (HR) department and be sure you are speaking with a human resources manager and not a talent acquisition person or hiring manager. A corporate HR employee may have access to more information, and specifically about your status. Speak openly with the HR representative and ask what can be done to change your status. Refer to the list above, be prepared to clearly explain misunderstandings, and try to present the facts with neutrality.
Example conversation to request being removed from a company's do-not-rehire list
“I understand that I’m on the company’s do-no-rehire list, but I’m excited about potentially returning to the company in the position of {third shift stocker}. Can we discuss the circumstances around my status? I have a reasonable explanation for* {only giving 10 days notice before my prior resignation}*. I’d like you to consider changing my status so I can interview for the position.”
It’s critical to be honest and open. Do not blame anyone else; talk only about your behaviors and what you know happened.
When your prior boss is also the owner of the company
The same principles apply for small and medium businesses as corporations. Instead of contacting HR, however, you’ll likely speak directly the owner. Be upfront about what you are looking to achieve and ask if there’s anything you can do to change their mind and remove you from the list.
Other tactics to be removed from a do-not-hire list
If a few years have passed, apply again. Management may have changed over the years, and it could be worthwhile to contact an HR manager to see you can change your status
Try applying at a different location or for a role in a different department
Ask a connection for help. If you've kept in contact with someone at the company, they may be willing to recommend you for a current position. A reference from a trusted employee could help.
Comments
I lost my job for getting hurt on the job and so I conducted a case with the company and had to get an attorney. Now unemployment won’t pay me, probably because of my pending case, plus I am on the blacklist at said company. I’m 43 years old and it’s hard to find a job with all these young people coming into the workplace willing to work for peanuts!!
I worked for Golden Limosene International In Milan, Michigan for nearly one year throughout the Covid pandemic. I had no oral or written disclipinary actions on my record. I resigned with proper two weeks' notice in October, 2022. I phoned John Heed, chief of staff, regarding my return to work at GLI. He said that I could return , but I would have to "jump through some hoops." I subsequently gave my two weeks' notice at my current job. I then had an interview with Sarah Heed, VP of Operations. She also implied that I was.good to go, and HR would reach out to me. Instead, an HR rep called to inform me that GLI was not going to take me back after all (no reason given). Now I have NO JOB. I do not think this is a decent, not to mention legal way to treat people!
Was fired for having an infection in my bowels at 22 years of age the manager did not even tell me I was fired. I would call up there when I was approve to return to work and was told I am no longer on the schedule now at 33 I reapply come to fin out I am no the do not rehire list. Is there anything I can do
I was harassed by my manager. She would text me all the time telling me to bring my store keys because she was demoting me and taken away my pay for needing to call out due to not having a babysitter so I couldn't do the overnight shift. The next day I receive a text message from the manager at the Dunkin inside the store to tell me that my manager is questioning her about why I called put and where I was. She also told her she planned on firing me. So when I go word of all of this trash talking she was doing I went to the store and quit and handed in my keys. Then I was told that they was putting me on the non hire list.
Time clock
I was pregnant and was told to pick up tots that had liquor in them and I said no I was sent home to being placed on the no rehire list but I never was fired from the facility
I worked for CVS for 24 yrs. I had to accept retirement after I exhausted vacation, personal days, and emergency leaves. I had to become caregiver to my Mamma. She left in 2019, but then I needed cataract surgery and found myself battling cancer. Now that I’m on the other side of treatment, I want to go back to work. I had an exemplary work record and performance evaluations. Is this possible?
Can I apply for a different position in a couple years I got fired for not having my sida badge but I did have it but it was not visible
I was on the do not rehire list because I got pregnant and my pregnancy was high risk with painful ovarian cysts that I couldn’t drive an hour to my workplace. So I had to take time off during my pregnancy and the day I returned back to work after maturity leave ended I was fired that evening. The manager that fired me didn’t say it to me directly but had HR call me when I got home and told me not to come in the next day. I remember when I was working there my manager wasn’t nice to me at all or any other females there. He belittled me and others all the time for our work. Anyways, I tried to apply for that same position for almost 6-7 years and even though I had there experience I was never hired until only when management changed and references there were asked about my work ethics I was finally given a chance. There can be really cruel people out there that will put you on the do not rehire list just because they do not like you it has nothing to do with your work or any issues. It still shocks me that he went to that extent. Sad and pathetic really.
Can I be black listed from housing section 8 for no hood reason