What is the best way to find out what former jobs are saying about you?
I have never had the trouble landing a job before that I am having now. I have been unemployed for almost a year now. And sadly this is not the first time in this economy that I have looked for a job. I was terminated from my last job and I usually don't even list them since I was with them only 4 months. I was not a good fit for the position as it was advertised as an Administrative Assistant position and ended up being sales. I don't have the personality for sales. I was fired .... and filed unemployment. The employer said (to the unemployment commission) that I was fired because it was not going to work out regarding my skills. Then when I was granted unemployment it suddenly was because I was insubordinate and didn't manage time wisely. I was never written up nor reprimanded so why would I be considered insubordinate? As for managing time.... my employer was mad I didn't use my personal time to learn more about the company ( spend time learning his software at home, reading books he recommended during me free time). So basically he wanted to manage my personal time and I am not on the clock 24/7. So I can only assume that he or one of my other job references are providing a bad reference and I need to find out which one and what they are saying. How is the best way to go about it. I clearly can't call because they would recognize my voice. I would like to record the conversations as well as here in Texas, you only have to have the approval of one of the parties on a phone call ( myself) to record it. If I do find out I am getting bad references I will take it to court. Any suggestions?
Well, they really shouldn't be saying anything like that, and if you don't have that last job on anything, they wouldn't even know to contact them. Maybe look at everything else. Make sure your resume looks good and includes key words from the job descriptions to match up. Make sure you also follow up on things.
Typically I have had a friend call from a business, as most companies have caller ID. Ask your friend to ask questions about your employment like an HR person would. Since it is a friend they should approve taping the call. Years ago I had an employer doing similar to what you are experiencing. I had a girlfriend call, and ask questions, I then contacted the past employer, and advised them of my findings, and how easy it was to get the information. Suddenly I was hirable again. Employers are very limited in the information they can give, so if you find the guilty person, a call to the HR person should help if you have proof.