[titoav15]

Now I am sure that this effects a number of people… I think that it is so rediculous that a company would not want to give you a recommendation because the company policy does not allow them to. The hr can only confirm start and end dates. I was able to overcome that however maybe other people cannot. I believe that this policy only effects positively on the employer because it almost locks or forces the person to stay there(if you work there for 3-5 years lets say). I want to believe that it is their duty to give a recommendation if you want to leave. What do you ninjas think?

AUD - PASS

FAR - PASS

REG - PASS

BEC - PASS

BEC: 5/21/14 82! PASSED HALF WAY THERE!
FAR: 4/2/15 80! Almost there!
AUD: 69, 74, 4/3/14 81! PASSED
REG: TBD

[mla1169]

I think they should confirm dates and titles. The only legal restriction on what they CAN say is that it has to be truthful (i.e. it is not illegal to say someone was late most of the time for work if the time clock records can prove it).

However I've worked with some not so bright HR people (and some very bright HR people) and its easier to make a policy of no references than take the chance that some bimbo might say something she should not.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Texan_Stuck_In_OK]

Yep, legally they only have to give employment dates and title. In my former life as a radio station GM I was directed by the owner to give that and if a person was eligible for rehire. They didn't want to give any room for a lawsuit (our station didn't have the highest caliber employees). When I switch jobs I get around that by asking people I worked with if they would be a professional reference and provide references when applying for a job. As a Controller now, I appreciate it when the references are already provided. It saves me time and an extra step of having to ask for references 🙂

A 88, B 76, F 84, R 76 Passed 2014

Licensed in OK

[mla1169]

There is absolutely no law that restricts a company to employment dates and titles. That is a myth that's spread by “I heard from a friend in HR………”

Sticking to employment dates and titles is a generally recognized company policy that most companies follow. But please don't make the mistake of believing that if your employer said more you'd have grounds to sue.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[titoav15]

I am just wondering then when a company you are interviewing with is asking for a reference from previous employer and they only confirm dates and titles… Is that good enough for the hiring company then? Would they want a more in depth answer?

AUD - PASS

FAR - PASS

REG - PASS

BEC - PASS

BEC: 5/21/14 82! PASSED HALF WAY THERE!
FAR: 4/2/15 80! Almost there!
AUD: 69, 74, 4/3/14 81! PASSED
REG: TBD

[mla1169]

When I interview I explain right up front that I am aware my current employer has a policy regarding references and that I would be happy to show them that policy in writing. I've never been asked to back it up, but I am always able to if I am. Do know your current employers policy before you even send out a resume. Chances are the company interviewing you has the same policy in effect.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Topsya]

It's normal. Many companies are following such policy. I do not understand why it is such a big deal for you.

Besides, what kind of a characteristics HR can give you? They do not work directly with you (you are an accountant and not an HR person), they do not understand accounting also.

Ask your supervisor to give you professional characteristics….. Unless it might jeopardize your current position

AUD - 90
FAR - 83
BEC - 81
REG - 80
ETHICS - 100

[titoav15]

Not an issue for me because I was able to get a professional reference from the manager I worked a lot with, he was happy to do it for me and he did, however he mentioned that he went against the company policy… ie what I mentioned before. So months after… Today… I thought that its weird that if everyone would follow this policy, then you cant get a professional reference.

AUD - PASS

FAR - PASS

REG - PASS

BEC - PASS

BEC: 5/21/14 82! PASSED HALF WAY THERE!
FAR: 4/2/15 80! Almost there!
AUD: 69, 74, 4/3/14 81! PASSED
REG: TBD

[How many letters do you need]

It is against the law in some states and lawsuit potential in the rest for HR to give out any more than start, end and title. With your permission they can give wage. All references usually come from your boss, coworkers and customers. With that, I've worked for two companies where they prohibit existing employees from giving references as well. Now that's insane.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[titoav15]

@How many letters do you need, thats what my old company was like, no employee was allowed to give references… I lucked out cause I got along with my manager really well so he did not mind, but he did break the policy.

AUD - PASS

FAR - PASS

REG - PASS

BEC - PASS

BEC: 5/21/14 82! PASSED HALF WAY THERE!
FAR: 4/2/15 80! Almost there!
AUD: 69, 74, 4/3/14 81! PASSED
REG: TBD

[Author]

Replies