Transcript of conversation:
Interviewer: Mr. [name of reference}, my name is [name deleted] and I'm a recruiter with [name of company] pre-screening potential hires for a client. Could I discuss the employment history of a former employee named [name of client] with you?
Employer: Just a minute. I need to transfer your call.
HR Manager: Hello, this is [name deleted].
Interviewer: Yes, my name is [name of interviewer] and I am a recruiter with [name of company] who would like to discuss the employment history of a former employee of yours. I contacted his former supervisor, [name of supervisor], but he transferred my call to you without telling me why. His name is [name of client]. Were you his former supervisor?
HR Manager: No, I'm the HR Manager. Our company policy is that I handle all matters regarding reference checks.
Interviewer: Are you in a position to speak about Mr. [name of client] work habits?
HR Manager: No, we don't release information about former employees' work records.
Interviewer: Can you verify his job title and employment dates?
HR Manager: Yes, let me pull them up on the computer screen.
Interviewer: His job title was Database Administrator and Computer System Analyst?
HR Manager: Yes.
Interviewer: And his dates of employment were September '99 to April 2003?
HR Manager: Let me check here. Yes, he was employed from September of 1999 to April of this year.
Interviewer: Would you tell me whether he resigned or was terminated?
HR Manager: We don't release that information.
Interviewer: Would you tell me if he is eligible for rehire?
HR Manager: We don't release that information.
Interviewer: Is it absolutely impossible for me to talk to [name of supervisor]? I know you're trying to protect yourself from wrongful termination lawsuits, but not being able to talk to someone about Mr. [name of client] work habits puts him at a distinct disadvantage against other applicants.
HR Manager: I'm sorry, but this is company policy.
Interviewer: He also lists [name] as a reference. Since she is the General Manager, perhaps I could speak with her?
HR Manager: I'm sorry, but our procedure is that I handle all calls of this type.
Interviewer: So, there is nothing more you can tell me about his employment history, such as whether or not he received good performance reviews?
HR Manager: I'm afraid not.
Interviewer: Alright. So if one of my clients were to call you about [name] you wouldn't tell them anything except his employment dates and job title?
HR Manager: That's correct.
Interviewer: Okay. Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
HR Manager: Goodbye.
