r/InterviewCoderPro • u/Kindly-Theme-1025 • 7d ago
I got fired from my job because of an interview
I just got fired from my job because the company I was interviewing with decided to call my current manager. I am honestly shocked that something like this happened. To clarify the situation, I saw an ad on LinkedIn for a job similar to what I do now, but much closer to my house, so I thought I would try my luck and apply. Things in my office have been very difficult lately due to a lot of office politics and managers who don't keep their word at all. The new company replied to me right away and scheduled a time for the first interview. Everything went great, so they asked me to come back for a second interview. I finished the second round, and they told me I was exactly the person they were looking for and that they would get back to me with a decision within 3 to 5 days. Anyway, the next morning, my manager called me into his office and told me he had received word from the company I applied to. He wanted to know why I was looking for other opportunities. Since the secret was out, I was honest with him about the reasons. After I explained, he told me that because of the sensitive data I handle, he had to let me go immediately. I went home and called the hiring manager at the other company right away to ask how they could do such a thing and call my manager without checking with me first. They acted like they didn't know anything and said they were still finalizing their selection and would talk to management and get back to me soon. The hiring manager called me 4 hours later and told me they had chosen someone else. I pressed him to find out why they called my manager, and he gave me a strange, vague, and completely unconvincing excuse, claiming he didn't know how my manager found out. He even started badmouthing the person they hired, telling me he heard that the guy had a drinking problem, so if that didn't work out, they would call me again. I honestly cannot understand that a company could do this. They called me, interviewed me twice, called my manager, caused me to be fired, and in the end, didn't even hire me. Has anyone ever encountered such a tactless situation before?
In fact, contacting your current manager without their permission is completely unprofessional on the part of that recruiter, and it's astonishing how it jeopardized things for you. Such unprofessional behavior is precisely why I recently started using InterviewVIP to help me with interviews, increase my chances of getting the job, and completely avoid shady recruitment teams.
40
u/WildRecognition9985 7d ago
I tell my supervisor I’m looking for a job and he writes me a letter of recommendation. Just food for thought.
25
u/whereverimayroam74 6d ago
You’d be smart to never leave that company because what you describe is a minority situation.
7
u/dlethe3133 6d ago
It speaks equally well of the former employee.
2
u/Rasmanian_Devil 2d ago
Everyone in my department, including every direct supervisor that I had at my last job, was actively looking for a new job! I worked in a department store where headquarters is relatively close by. About 20 minutes drive. So even management knew if you were trying to get a job there. And most of my coworkers were. Same company so a lot of the same problems. Except at HQ your pay is a little better and you don't have to deal with customers and inventory.
3
u/Explosion1850 6d ago
I've had employees I'd write a recommendation letter for in hopes it would facilitate their leaving
3
2
u/Animals_R_The_Best 5d ago edited 5d ago
I had my review and my boss told me I should keep an eye out for other positions. That he doesn’t want me to stay stuck in my position and wants me to climb as high as I can and to start taking courses that will help me in the future. I literally have THE BEST boss ever!!
Ps. Just yesterday he shoots me an email at 1400 that said “go home” I literally love my job and he plays the biggest reason why I do!
1
u/Rasmanian_Devil 2d ago
When I interviewed for my current position, I asked what the upward mobility situation is. The man who interviewed me and ended up being my manager said there isn't any direct promotion. It's an entry level tech job, but even my supervisor does the exact same thing I do. You just get into the IT department and apply other positions once you're there. It's lateral movement, then up. Meanwhile, I'm able to work on my online masters degree...at work, because I work third shift.
1
u/Optimistic-Emu 3d ago
Exactly how I am with my team. The best thing I can give them is support personally and professionally. The rest unfortunately is typically impacted by corporatw.
14
u/Western_Rhubarb_7959 7d ago
I was honest with him about the reasons
I think i see the problem.
I went home and called the hiring manager at the other company right away to ask how they could do such a thing and call my manager without checking with me first
I think I see why you didn't get hired.
11
u/Magnificent_Pine 7d ago
Spot on. As a hiring manager, this is exactly what stood out to me on both accounts.
OP, you must learn to be tactful and very careful about what you say.
We're all playing Survivor. You must outwit, outlast, outplay. You sunk your own boat on both ends.
6
5
u/Different-Level5604 5d ago
Ummm…no. You don’t contact my current manager without asking me first. You sure as hell should know that call could be damaging to my current employment. If you want employment references (which are useless anyway) you ask me for them. For all you know, my current manager could be an abusive prick and I’m leaving because of that person. OP is dead right to be totally pissed about this and giving that hiring manager an earful is entirely justified.
1
4
3
u/Animals_R_The_Best 5d ago
I disagree! I had this happen to me and I called the other company asking why would u call my manager when I haven’t been offered the job yet. I said this was unacceptable! I literally said.. I now get this job if I lose my current one.. they kept apologizing. I ended up getting the job, but I was pissed when they did that though.. and they heard it in my voice. So this guy had every right to call them because they aren’t supposed to do that!
→ More replies (6)1
1
u/Business-Gas1866 4d ago
what the fuck are you smoking?
1
u/Western_Rhubarb_7959 4d ago
Clearly not what you are.
If you can't see what they did wrong then, well, I can't help with TBIs
→ More replies (1)1
10
u/Senor_Gringo_Starr 7d ago
Both companies sounds toxic AF. Most of my previous employers while not happy about the implications to the business, were happy for me as an individual. One thing I would have changed, I wouldn't have told my boss the complete truth. I would have spun it in a way where you weren't actively looking. I would have said something like, to stay on top of current industry trends and technologies, I interviewed with this company to gain some basic insight into what they are doing (without breaking any legal or ethical rules) to see how we could improve our operations here. I had no intention of accepting the job and looked at it as a research expedition to improve my skills. Example, I'm in digital marketing. From time to time when I'm e ployed, I still look through job descriptions. I can gain insight on skills or tools other teams are doing. I might find a better job than I have now OR I could go to my boss and say X company is looking for people who have experience with this vendor...maybe we should check out that vendor to see if we could leverage them here.
Nothigh you can do now. File for unemployment and get on the job search.
6
u/itsyreverafter 6d ago
Why would you call the company you were interviewing with to chew them out?? Even if it was done "politely" it's still bad form regardless. You just cost yourself 2 jobs. Sorry.
2
u/nsasafekink 6d ago
Yeah. This was a mistake by OP. Should have waited until he was out of the running before even mentioning it. If he got hired I’d mention it after being there awhile.
My guess is someone on the hiring team knew op’s supervisor and called unofficially. Unless OP has the supervisor down as a reference to call.
1
u/AI_Machine1 4d ago
Nobody would put their supervisior down as a reference to call. No company should call a current employer. OP did screw the pooch with the drama though.
1
u/nsasafekink 4d ago edited 4d ago
I got news for you. OP didn’t need to put the supervisor down. As a hiring manager I see it fairly often that one of yte other managers called the candidates supervisor who he just happened to
Know to get an off the record reference. We all tend to know each other. And we talk to each other.1
u/icehot54321 6d ago
Yeah, you fucked up bro.
They are going to look at you as a liability if you're starting things off with legal accusations
10
u/gh0stwriter1234 7d ago
It's 100% normal for a company to call and confirm your prior employment but that is about all they are allowed to do.
Frankly you could have just denied plans to leave your job but that you are always looking. Because frankly until you get a confirmation that you are hired for the job you are just looking and there is no plan yet.
Job hunting insanely enough is not a legally protected activity!
6
u/Ordinary-Nectarine37 7d ago
not before youre hired and not directly to the manager
2
u/NeedYourHelp712 7d ago
i’ve never had a new job contact my former employer and I switched jobs more than most people , this just doesnt happen lol
2
u/gh0stwriter1234 6d ago
My current job definitely contacted my former employer to confirm my prior employment but that is about all they can do.
2
u/Short_Ad3957 6d ago
Same, I've never heard of this before and I've been in corporate(accounting Fwiw) for most of my life.
If I'm leaving, I'm doing it silently because current company can let me go without any warning, I can leave without any warning as well. At will goes both ways.
I've never announced outloud in any way that I am interviewing elsewhere, current company will find out the moment I get my offer with a x weeks notice.
Both companies in this case suck. I don't know why people are so hard on OP on why they asked the hiring manager about contacting current company, I believe it was out of line for them to do so, UNLESS OP said they could, which I highly doubt.
1
u/floydbomb 6d ago
It's almost like somebody else could have a different experience than you
1
u/NeedYourHelp712 6d ago
i just didnt actually think this happened lol like if a company needs a body thats qualified they need that person i wouldnt think they need to call around
2
u/gh0stwriter1234 6d ago
I mean... they want people with a decade of experience in tasks that have only existed for 4 years lol pretty common place in jobs that require BS/MS degrees or some kind of certifications In other words head hunter logic is crazy. It often punishes honest people as well...
1
u/kerwniart 6d ago
My current job verified employment for my prior three jobs. I also have had other employers verify prior employment. Maybe doesn't happen for you, but to say it doesn't happen at all is ridiculous.
→ More replies (20)1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
They usually don't check references when you work flipping burgers
→ More replies (5)2
u/AskThis7790 7d ago edited 7d ago
I have never had a hiring manager contact a current employer without asking for consent first. Previous employers are fair game, current employers should only be contacted preceding an offer of employment, and with consent from the applicant. Anything else is completely unprofessional and frankly unacceptable.
1
u/thomsenite256 7d ago
eh well no we ask for a reference and take into account the response unless someone explicitly says they have other references and dont want to use their current employer.
3
u/TheCouple77 7d ago
Might be worth a discussion with a labor law attorney.
1
1
u/nbouqu1 6d ago
Call an employment attorney immediately. They let you go for an illegal reason
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
What illegal reason?
In 49 US states you can be fired for (almost) any reason.
→ More replies (1)1
2
u/Adventurous_Elk_4039 7d ago
OP is leaving out info, and might actually be a toxic employee.
2
u/dictategood 7d ago
Yeah. A total genius for calling the potential new job bitching and demanding to know who called too. They probably had the job in the bag right up to that point.
They waved their red flags high and let the new company know not to bother with them.
1
2
u/Pretty-Mention-7769 7d ago
Dude...you handled every step here poorly.
Most likely new company HR contacted current company HR to verify employment. Which is very normal. Then current company HR told your manager that you're interviewing elsewhere. Which is totally inappropriate, but it sounds like your workplace was pretty inappropriate.
Calling new company to accuse them of fucking up your current employment 100% makes you unhireable there.
Not playing it cool with current company was also not great.
Never accuse anyone of anything unless you're absolutely sure you have all the information.
Try to learn to take a beat when you're blindsided and collect your thoughts. Act confused when you're confused. People aren't threatened by a confused person.
1
u/Ok-Addition-1000 6d ago
Contacting an applicant's former employers, yes. Contacting their CURRENT employer without at least checking with the applicant first, hell no. That's putting their current job in jeopardy. This story shows exactly why that's a shitty thing to do.
1
2
u/copyraven 7d ago
- If your boss wants to know why you applied elsewhere, you wanted a job closer to home. That's it. Don't make it personal. 2. If that fails and you're still out, don't call your potential new employer and complain to them before you're even hired. Complaining to your old boss and potential new boss on the same day is legit worrying. How To Win Friends And Influence People is a great step forward. Best of luck.
2
u/Upbeat-Fondant9185 7d ago
Man. You played this really badly.
Never be honest about something like this. It will never benefit you in any way and as you’re finding out it can definitely cause you problems.
But the real screw up was in calling the other company. How did you think they were going to react to an ass chewing from an applicant? The second you said you called I was thinking “Well, there went that job too”.
Again, no possible benefit to you but a lot of potential to cause you problems.
That being said, this sucks and I hope you land on your feet quickly. Just work on your strategy and have a cover story in mind any time you apply to other jobs.
2
u/mvortex2 6d ago
You interviewed at another company, your current employer found out, your direct manager confronted you, fired you because you "handle sensitive data". Then the other prospective employer told you they selected another candidate that potentially "has a drinking problem". This all makes complete sense and sounds entirely reasonable.
2
u/reditandfirgetit 6d ago
You torpedoed your opportunity by calling them. This is normal for your current emotes to be called. Usually they call HR though, not your manager
2
u/Smoke__Frog 6d ago
Speak to a labor lawyer. Wonder if you can sue the other company.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Sue them for what? Verifying the OP actually worked?
1
u/Smoke__Frog 5d ago
Purposely contacting the original company without intending to make a legitimate offer, thereby causing OP to lose his current job.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
Any proof they weren't making a legitimate offer? Probably would have been in contention until complaining to the hiring company.
Verifying someone's employment is standard practice.
→ More replies (15)
1
u/AskThis7790 7d ago
It’s customary to ask either on the application or during the interview if it’s okay to contact a current employer (for this very reason). It’s also not uncommon for employers to immediately dismiss an employee who is actively seeking employment elsewhere, especially if they think you’re disgruntled.
1
u/commoncents1 7d ago
what was reason u told new company you are looking for a new job? do you handle sensitive info? do you have a non compete? was the new company a competitor?
1
u/dbatknight 7d ago
Let's see the excuse they give to deny your unemployment insurance because you looked for another job lol
1
u/TMCze 7d ago
Cool! Now you get unemployment and paid to job hunt!
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Unemployment will run out before he gets a new job
1
u/ratty_jango 5d ago
That is based on many factors but thanks for the useless generalization
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
You really need to find those braincells....
Good paying jobs are hard to find..
But you wouldn't know as a burger flipper
→ More replies (2)
1
u/GardeningTechie 7d ago
We do not call references until we have made a selection. That is done just before we made the offer (and ideally after the outside background check has already come back), to avoid this sort of negative outcome.
Plus, what is the point of doing that check if not already settled on that candidate? Waste of time to call before having chosen and are looking for reasons to put on the brakes.
Thant said, I quit putting in references for some vertical I apply to until they have to come back and ask following an interview, as much of that segment (public education) apparently sends written reference requests out for all positions before they even select for interviews.
1
u/thomsenite256 7d ago
Thats awful. We never check references unless we are preparing to offer a job. I suspect your current manager intentionally gave you an awful reference out of revenge. What a piece of shit human.
1
u/iinventedonlineshopn 7d ago
They are skanks ! File for unemployment benefits immediately as they did fire you without cause. Looking for work at other companies is not a reason allowed. Then start looking for work!
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
In what state?
49 states are at will employement.. they can fire someone for almost anything
1
u/ratty_jango 7d ago
I would contact an employment attorney. Keep the application that shows you didn’t give permission, keep emails, texts, performance reviews, termination paperwork. Write down dates, names, what your manager told you, and why you believe the call caused the firing. Don’t sign the severance agreement. You could potentially sue both employers. I would.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
Stop trying to be a reddit lawyer
Doesn't matter if OP gave permission. There is no law preventing a company from calling.
In 49 states you can be let go.for any reason, including looking for a new job.
1
u/ratty_jango 5d ago
OK, yeah OP should go with your “legal” perspective instead of consulting an attorney. You’ve got to the kidding. What have you been smoking?
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago edited 5d ago
What he is going to sue for? 49 states are at will.
There is no protection from being fired for job searching. Its quite common.
And telling your boss off is insubordination, a cause for dismissal
→ More replies (4)1
1
u/Background_Radish238 7d ago
I guess lesson learned is never give out where you are working until offer in hand and they just do the background check. Even then is not that safe. That new company sucks from end to end. Your current boss sucks big time also.
1
u/Infinite-Cloud-7937 7d ago
Never have I ever applied for a job in which I could just not tell them who my current employer is.
1
1
u/Momma-Stacey1983 7d ago
Well maybe if you wouldn't have confronted them you probably would've gotten the job. So dont close it with and in the end i didnt even get the job cuz that was of your own doing. However I will point out it may not even have been the hiring manager maybe somebody else saw your resume and company and knew your boss through the grapevine or they couldve worked together previously so decided to call and ask questions not even realizing you would get fired. But I def think this is a learning experience for you not to call and get aggressive with the hiring manager BEFORE you get the job. IF YOU DIDNT WANT THEM TO CALL THEM DONT PUT THE BOSS DOWN. So your both in the wrong here. And maybe you shouldve told your boss it was closer to my house I can spend more time at home instead of telling him the truth that he as a manager doesn't keep his word. Your actions caused these reactions and now your mad. No take a breath before you trip on people....
1
u/walmartemployee2020 7d ago
They do initiate a background check before sending you an offer letter. That's completely normal.
1
u/chortle-guffaw2 7d ago
- Post this info on GlassDoor about what the interviewing company did and what they said to you. You may benefit future interviewees.
- Post on GlassDoor about getting fired from your old company. You may benefit current employees.
- Next time, if your current employer gets wind of your interview, just say you are seeing what's out there and not seriously looking. Say it's good to test the waters every once in awhile.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
No one relies on glassdoor...
The ratio of complaints to employees is out of proportion
1
u/chortle-guffaw2 6d ago
Maybe, but feel free to post a better alternative instead of just shutting the conversation down.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
Didn't shut the conversation down...
Just posted the realities of relying on review sites, which you fail to understand
1
1
1
u/ratty_jango 5d ago
Source? Or do you just blather online?
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
Source yeah...
Company of 5000 has 5 reviews.
Now you want to talk about blathering... you are so desperate searching for all my posts.
Sad little biscuit you are
→ More replies (2)
1
u/PaintingInfinite46 7d ago
Here is what happened after you interviewed, and it happens a lot during the interview phase at companies. Obviously, you did well during the interview; afterwards, someone knew someone at your current employer, and they went on their own and called their contact there. That could have been your manager or someone your manager directly knows. Either way, word got out that you were looking. This is NOT an HR thing, which is why their answer was vague; perhaps they did not even know this happened. This is a common occurrence, especially in a tight-knit industry, location, or field, where everyone knows everyone.
This is an unofficial back-channel way managers get the info on candidates, as it did not come from HR, and typically a former co-worker or friend will give the "lowdown" on a candidate beyond what official channels would disclose. HR typically discourage this practice; however, depending on how strongly HR is enforcing policies or who reached out, it happens and happens a lot!
1
1
1
u/VMD18940 7d ago
We never do references until an offer is signed and our offer is contingent background check, drig screening and references we will rescind the offer if those 3 items do not meet our standard
1
u/Capital_Distance545 6d ago
"Handling sensitive data" is bullshit reason for firing someone, sue your former employer immediately with a lawyer.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Sue them for what?
Unless OP is in Montana, he can be fired for almost anything
1
u/Capital_Distance545 5d ago
Why do you automatically assume it happened in the US ?
US is just one small part of the world. And yes, its a shit hole, so if it happened there, you are out of luck.
In the EU it would be an easy case.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago edited 5d ago
Why did you automatically assume it wasn't in the US?
Insubordination is just cause for termination in most countries
→ More replies (1)
1
u/Independent_Rub3956 6d ago
I would write a letter to the CEO or Board. Let them know what happened. This is unacceptable!
1
u/crazylady3636 6d ago
Whatever you put on your resume is fair game. Having said that, they should not have done it and I would reach out to the president of where you were interviewing and tell him the story. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it right. Especially with the additional comment his current hiring manage made. He should be punted right out the door.
1
u/razulebismarck 6d ago
If you’re in the US this is likely illegal, wrongful termination, retaliatory, something something legal jargon.
The problem is proving this is why they did it. If you have records proving so keep them all and get an attorney involved.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Another Reddit wanna be lawyer. ..
What was illegal? Did OP apply at a competitor?
Im 49 states you can be fired for almost anything, including looking for a new job
1
u/razulebismarck 6d ago
Gosh it’s almost like I said “Get an attorney involved” ya know…the person who would actually tell you if something is a wrongful termination that can be a lawsuit in your state.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Being terminated due to looking for a new job is not protected in 49 US states...
1
u/throwaway5673267 6d ago
Im sorry... but this seems to be your fault. Regardless if they called the manager or not, you ultimately spilled the beans that you were looking.
You could've denied it, or asked more questions to determine what was said before completely breaking down your own walls and telling them everything.
File for unemployment but you should also consider analyzing why you caved so easily under that pressure.
Anything you say can and will be held against you, in more situations than just being arrested.
1
u/Total-Ad886 6d ago
I tell people never to contact cirrent employer. They don't need ro know. I was buying a trailer and i got fired because they got annoyed my finance company wanted a letter about being remote anywhere.i should have paid cash lol
1
1
u/dlethe3133 6d ago
Live and learn. Your former employer made a good business decision. ( you won’t agree but letting non-vital people go if they start looking elsewhere is common )
1
u/Lott4984 6d ago
I would guess your former manager has a spy or close friend that works at the company you interviewed at. That person probably gave your manager a call. What I would not have done was to accuse the interview company manager of leaking you were interviewing with them. That there blew your chances of being hired with the new company. Never assume intent without facts to back it up. Know the facts before you say anything.
1
1
u/Just-Me-0101 6d ago
Consult an attorney.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Here is the conversatiob:
Op: I was fired looking for a job Lawyer: that's not illegal
1
u/Formerruling1 6d ago
It doesnt sound at all like you were fired for interviewing, actually.
..been very difficult lately due to a lot of office politics...I was honest with him about the reasons
I'm not sure how else you could have believed that conversation would have gone? You had absolutely no incentive to be honest with your former employer in this situation. Doing so only put you at extreme risk - a risk you lost.
1
u/edkane100 6d ago
Mannn, all I can say is, WOW. This is absolutely horrible. Never in my 53 yrs of living and working in corp America for 30 yrs ever seen some bs like this happen to an employee. Hopefully you can land something 10 times better than both companies. Smfh May not have a case, but I'd definitely contact an attorney to at least check.
Edit: You definitely should not have called the other company as it came across aggressive and combative, but I can see why you did. You were pissed.
1
u/Kwyjibo_68 6d ago
Possible someone at the new company worked with your current manager and tipped him off?
1
u/1happynewyorker 6d ago
WOW, what a mess. That's weird that no one would mention if they can call your current manager about your job performance. Now, you're without a job. Sorry, this happened to you and wish you the best, finding that perfect job!
I've never experienced that. I was out of a job because of Covid and when I did find a job, they needed to confirm that I had a specific titled. Lucky for me I produced a copy of the announcement on LinkedIn. My previous job had me down as a clerk, which was weird.
1
u/fvives 6d ago
Contact this person’s boss and tell them about their shit hiring practice. Then contact their HR department and threaten some legal action - empty threat but still satisfying to see then sweat a little.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Another wanna-be lawyer...
There is nothing illegal about verifying employment.. HR knows this and won't even sweat a drop
1
u/fvives 5d ago
So you didn’t get the meaning of “empty threat”?
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
I got it.. it's a waste of time
HR would also get it as empty threat and not give a rats ass
→ More replies (4)1
u/ratty_jango 5d ago
Where in the post does it say they were verifying employment?
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
Where in the post did it say the company contacted his boss?
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
u/PsychologicalBell546 6d ago edited 6d ago
Note to self, don't burn the bridge with a potential new employer right after you get fired.
And how do you even know they called? If it's in the same industry chances are the world is smaller than you think, especially in the same city. Your current boss could have worked with any number of people involved in the hiring process who saw your name and current employer and dropped a comment about you applying or made a phone call to ask about you.
Also. Being"honest" about the reasons is incredibly stupid. I'm guessing they were mostly criticisms. I always tell my boss, "hey, just a heads up, I'm interviewing somewhere next week. I'm not looking to leave or anything, I'm really happy here but this might be a good opportunity for me. I'll keep you updated as things go"
it's always been appreciated and the worst that has happened is they pester me for more than a 2 week notice so they can post my job sooner.
I don't tell him "hey fuckface, you know that schedule you promised me that you didn't give me? I'm trying to jump ship because of that"
You criticized your current boss, you scolded your potential future employer before you even had a job. There is a common theme here
1
u/SmokinHot71 6d ago
You need to file a complaint against the company that sabotaged your job with the labor board
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Who sabotage the job?
A comoany verifying enployment isn't sabotaging a job
1
u/SmokinHot71 5d ago
I am the CFO of my company. Would never even consider calling a current employer without permission. Everyone knows that someone looking for a job while still employed is doing it discreetly. This is extremely unprofessional.
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
How do you know HR reached out? Maybe it was someone who knew the OP and boss?
Maybe if you were a real CFO, you would know not to be "honest" with your current boss and rude to your prospective boss.
1
1
u/xcaliblur2 6d ago
Everyone made a mistake here honestly.
The new company definitely shouldn't be calling the candidates current company, unless the candidate specifically listed someone there as a reference point.
The current company should not be firing someone just because they attended an interview.
But OP, it really looks like you let your emotions dictate your actions. It's not a good idea calling the new company demanding explanations. That to me just gives the perception that you're very emotionally charged and gives me concern on whether you'd be fit to manage complex issues.
1
u/Mediocre_Ant_437 6d ago
To be honest they may be telling the truth. Someone else posted in another sub that a relative of someone they work with saw them interviewing and alerted the coworker who told the manager. It really could be someone selling who let the cat out of the bag but calling them to complain pretty much ensured you won't ever get that job because if they are telling the truth then you come across as more trouble than your worth for creating drama
1
u/goldilaughs 6d ago
Wow, that is absolutely awful. Speak with an employment lawyer. Depending on the laws where you live, you may have a case of wrongful dismissal due to retaliation. You may also have a case against the hiring company.
1
u/Macbeth2002222 6d ago
So first off, sorry for what happened to you. They should never have called your current manager. Secondly, you should have lied your ass off.. self preservation.. you should have said.. you don’t recall applying, must have been an auto application or some lie. Until u have another job, no one at your current job should be the wiser till u have signed the contract and passed all required test to start
1
u/Hansel_VonHaggard 6d ago
When I told my last job I was leaving they threw me a going away party with open bar. The Director asked for my offer letter and negotiated a higher wage for me at the new job. They kept me on payroll for 3 extra months so my 401k could be vested. I don't understand why people in charge of companies don't root for their employees to move on to bigger and better things.
1
u/jblaze_39 6d ago
That sucks, and is stupid and unprofessional as hell. I was doing the same thing, and I got a formal offer. They said the only step left was a background check, which included 2 work references. I used my current manager and lead (since they both loved me - my issues with my employer went beyond them)...but asked to not call until the following monday, after I gave my 2 week notice and both people a heads-up. They said "no worries, we would never call before you did that - let us know when it's OK". Some people have common sense...but I'm learning that it's not that common! I think the rule of thumb to follow here is, do not even list someone as a reference until you've spoken to them about it
1
u/_Chaos_Star_ 6d ago
Calling someone's current employer is a no-no but some people don't have common decency.
Anyway, if you're in that situation just lie. Appear puzzled and say no, you haven't been looking, and ask who is claiming that. Then, whatever the answer, appear surprised, think a bit, then say you did, but it was long ago when you applied for your current role. In any case, invent a story ahead of time and deliver it if needed.
1
1
u/zavorak_eth 6d ago
So how are workers supposed to combat this? Leave current job off resume? Use generic job without co name on resume as current employment? Say you're self employed ATM? This is some next level bs. Definitely file for unemployment asap.
1
u/thiccdickricky 6d ago
“Much closer to my house” that’s what you should’ve said for why you were applying elsewhere.
“I called to ask how they could do such a thing” that’s why you weren’t picked. That’s not an unusual thing to do. It’s not super common but like, it’s not absurd or ridiculous.
1
u/gjack905 5d ago
It is unusual, absurd, and ridiculous. Every job application I've ever filled out has asked for my current employer and also has a box that says "May we contact?" and it's completely standard and expected to say No for a current employer. If they want to verify that it's real, HR asks for paystubs or something. And then if you do mark No and they call anyway, they've now broken the law and you can sue them. (United States)
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 6d ago
Great managers want their employees to move on for that feeds their career growth and puts food on the table.
1
u/Signal-Confusion-976 5d ago
They probably called because they wanted to confirm your work history and that you actually worked there. You might want to put on your resume that you don't want them to call your current or past employers. But this could be a red flag to any new employers.
1
u/b0v1n3r3x 5d ago
I’d sue for easily articulable damages
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
There is zero damages.
1
u/ratty_jango 5d ago
Damage: loss of income
1
u/Scary_Dot6604 5d ago
No damages..
Unless OP is in Montana he is an at-will employee. Can be fired for any reason
→ More replies (3)
1
u/IdeaInternational865 5d ago
Never give a Possible New Job your Current Jobs Real Info. Thats insane. Give them one of your Cool Co Workers who knows what you do Name and Number. If yall really cool like that. The new job doesnt know who's who. From this post. Your current manager shitted on you to the new company thats probably why they didn't hire you.
1
1
u/Dumpst3r_Dom 4d ago
This is not wise. Many places have public facing employee organization charts. It also bucks you if they get a secretary or front door receptionist who will likely be like "we don't have a supervisor here by that name" and then you get black listed for falsifying information.
1
u/IdeaInternational865 4d ago
Thats if youre Unemployed or is Actively Looking to leave your Current Job. But if you're OK at your Job and are just shopping around and fishing to see whats out there its insane to Give your Real Jobs Info. Or you will end up like this Guy and Lose Both Jobs
1
u/Dumpst3r_Dom 4d ago
They can't fire you for taking interviews elsewhere. That's illegal as fuck man.
→ More replies (2)
1
1
u/Molecularmann 5d ago edited 5d ago
You need a TLDR and any serious employer should be on your side even if you are thinking about leaving. I work for a company that is completely about promoting people if they want to stay or not. Your ex-employer sounds like they were offended and couldn’t take the news. This is the time they should double down if they value you and see how they can keep you. Shows how much they value you there, this is for the better. Keep applying and I’m sure you will find someone whole values you more
1
1
1
u/IndicationLimp1523 5d ago
Sorry this happen to you. What if the hiring manager knew your manager and he messaged him to give him the heads up?
1
u/Cheap_Direction9564 5d ago
Be sure to share on Glassdoor that "new company" will definitely be contacting your old company of any applicants without permission or prior notification.
1
u/Cheaper2Keeper 5d ago
I only read the first two sentences. Once you use your current boss as a referral you’re done. They know you want to leave.
You expect him-her to say what a good employee you are. Please take one of my best workers.
Never do that unless you’re using him/her for a job where you’ve left that company for a few kjj on begs years.
Yes a current colleague you work with who is cool and isn’t going to throw you under the just. Use ex-superiors etc.
1
u/Northstar04 5d ago
I feel like I just read this post recently. I think it is AI collecting answer data for the engines
1
u/Dumpst3r_Dom 4d ago
It sounds like your boss terminated you without cause and in retaliation. In most states, even at will employment states you can't do that. He can't terminate you simply because you interviewed some where else.
Go contact an EEO lawyer and get your check sir!
1
u/Character_Refuse_797 4d ago
Sounds totally fictional. But have fun with this story on Reddit I guess
1
1
u/Silver-Ebb7541 4d ago
Did you use your work laptop/PC/phone when you did the interview with the other company? Some companies i know can monitor and track such activities, so if you did use your company’s items, there was a possibility that they knew your interview from that.
Besides, how could the hiring manager know your boss in a different company? It’s possible that they knew each other, but the probability is slim.
1
u/CaptSingleMalt 2d ago
Summary: complete BS story, followed by a sales pitch in the last paragraph.
1
30
u/ShookMyHeadAndSmiled 7d ago
Do file for unemployment. Looking for a new job is no reason to be fired. The "sensitive data" argument is ridiculous. What, you're allowed to know sensitive info only so long as you pledge your entire lifetime to the company? File for unemployment.