Job Seeker Gets Burned
Q: I sent my resume to a company in response to an ad in the jobs section. The company did not contact me, but instead called my boss to tell him I was applying for a position there. My boss then told our department head I was leaving. When the department head asked me why I was leaving, I didn’t know what he was talking about.
The company that did this then called me a week later for an interview. At that time they informed me they had called my present employer because they felt it was only proper to inform the employer I was looking for a new position. I refused the interview, but they have jeopardized my current status by calling my employer.
Does a company have the right to jeopardize a person’s position without first asking for permission to contact your present employer? How does a person prevent this in the future?
A: Luckily, this is the exception rather than the rule, but I have received letters from others with similar experiences. In today’s workplace, most companies realize that employees want to be respected and valued, and that begins with establishing a bond of trust between employer and employee. Not only did the company jeopardize your current employment, it is also creating a bad reputation for itself by violating its candidates’ trust. Just as you refused to interview with such a company, job seekers will gradually hear about this company’s procedures and stop applying there.
Most employers understand that employees are interested in bettering their positions through new jobs with higher salaries and greater responsibilities. Your first step is to talk to your current boss to smooth over the shock of the news. Because he already knows you’re job hunting, this is your opportunity to explain that you like your job but would like to see certain changes made.
If your company can’t make the necessary changes to satisfy you, you will now know more of what to expect in any future job interviews. Although you give up your confidentiality by sending a resume, you may want to state in your cover letter that your job search is confidential.
Accusation, bipolar disorder leave worker shattered
Q: I’ve worked for the same company for 32 years. Last year, after I worked 1,400 hours from January through November, my new boss of three months wrote an end-of-month report accusing me of messing with the equipment to create more overtime. I did not do this. Another employee found the memo and posted it on the bulletin board for all employees to see. I was so upset that I had to be taken home from work that day.
The company then said I had to see a psychiatrist before I could return to work. I’ve been seeing the doctor this year and have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I can’t get over this. All my self-esteem is gone. Would I have a case against this company?
A: You are dealing with three difficult issues. Being falsely accused in a formal memo at work can be devastating. And having it made public only compounds the situation. Both these incidents should be discussed immediately with a lawyer specializing in employment law.
Your third issue is coming to grips with your bipolar diagnosis, which has been receiving much publicity lately. Generally, bipolar disorder can be controlled with drugs and ongoing therapy. Because you have been in therapy for the past year, you are over the biggest hurdle - admitting that something is wrong and accepting help. If you had been diagnosed as a diabetic, you would probably accept the diagnosis and the treatment without berating yourself. Once you can accept your diagnosis as an illness and not as a flaw that affects your self-worth, you may be able to regain your self-esteem.