NM jinxing my job referrals??!

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Ok so just thinking out loud here. I was told I was going to be terminated at my last job due to performance issues...whole other topic BUT now I'm job hunting. I have had 2 interviews in the last few weeks, but no offer yet. I've never waited like this and I don't even know what's normal. Is it normal to not hear for weeks, or do I assume I'm not going to be chosen? I am worried that my old NM might be telling my new prospects that she wouldn't rehire me. I feel like I have no rights here...and my right to work is being threatened if she is sabotaging my efforts. I don't know what to do. I need full time work. I am now without benefits and altho heathy I'm 58 yrs old. This is crazy!!

Also be aware of your local and state laws regarding these types of things. Many states have provisions in place that do NOT allow former employers to offer information about the employee outside of a handful of questions (unless you listed them as a reference). Of course this doesn't always happen. If you were to use a reference checking service on yourself, be sure to know what things she was allowed to disclose and what things she was not, so that if you were to uncover that she was saying something about you that she was not allowed, you will be able to identify and deal with it.

I used to work for a labor attorney. She would make calls all the time to former employers to make inquiries. There is a certain legality around doing this so I wouldn't do it yourself. If you think something sketchy is going on call an attorney. Alot of attorneys work on a contingent basis (no fee unless you win a case) so your out of pocket might not be as bad as you think. Unfortunately, the "would you rehire this person" is often a fair game question and not much can be done to get around it. But if she is engaging in conversation that would be appropriate of a REFERENCE and outside the scope of just being a former employer, you might be able to do something legally to resolve it.

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It may have nothing to do with the reference from your former employer and everything to do with a terrible job market.

In the last eight months I've had a dozen very positive interviews that left me with a clear impression an offer would probably be coming and nada. I have 20 years experience in the areas I'm applying and know without a doubt my references are stellar. My most recent two if I moved back home today I could be working tomorrow.

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Specializes in L&D.

My problem is I Have to find a job. Like I stated my husband has just become disabled and he is 44 yrs old. I am the wage earner..and working for agencys a shift here and there will Not pay my bills. I want to work my speciality, but at this point would be happy to have a steady job anywhere. Stinking economy..

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What about signing with more agencies this may open up more shifts.

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Specializes in L&D.

I just landed a part time job in a hospital..with the option to pick up shifts..so I should be good. Thanks!!

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I just landed a part time job in a hospital..with the option to pick up shifts..so I should be good. Thanks!!

Glad to hear this. Stay on with agencies to pick up the slack and you should be ok.

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