Help my Step-dad change/jumpstart his career

[SagaLore]

My step-father lost his job about 6 months ago, not because he was at fault of anything or there was a need for layoffs. It was an unethical tactical firing.

If you want to know details, PM me and I'll share, otherwise I can't discuss because of a lawsuit in progress.

Anyways, he was a regional Sales Manager. He also was basically the Office Manager. The office he ran had 5 other employees and a large inventory. The field he was in was industrial.

All of the interviews he has had have been positive, but then he doesn't hear back from him and they won't return his calls. On a few occasions he's gotten back a letter saying he didn't get the job but doesn't give any good reasons - we have the feeling his previous employer is blackballing him - especially since they're the only employer reference he can give since he's been working there the last 18 years.

So what can he do? I think he would like to try something knew, but without a college education and bad references, he can't get his foot in the door anywhere without starting out entry level again. Has anyone else been in this predicament? Any suggestions?

 

[DaiShan]

Well, he has managerial experience, is he only applying for sales positions, or is he applying for managerial positions as well? Why would the company give him a bad reference if he was laid off rather than fired?

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: DaiShan
Well, he has managerial experience, is he only applying for sales positions, or is he applying for managerial positions as well? Why would the company give him a bad reference if he was laid off rather than fired?

Well, he basically was fired out of the blue. And my step-dad initiated the lawsuit, which is still in progress, before interviewing for these other jobs. I don't think his previous employer likes that much.

 

[DaiShan]

Ok, so he was fired rather than laid off? Bit of a difference there heh. Without getting into too many details, was the reason for his termination performance related (I'm asking what they stated on his letter of termination, whether it's true or not) He could request his previous performance reviews from the company if they were favorable and start bringing those to interviews/attach to his resume.

 

[firewall]

He should start his own business if he has the resources.

 

[moshquerade]

his previous employer would be in big trouble if they said anything bad about your step-father. i know that even if he embezzled from the company (not saying your step dad did) that his employer is bound by law not to reveal this information.

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
his previous employer would be in big trouble if they said anything bad about your step-father. i know that even if he embezzled from the company (not saying your step dad did) that his employer is bound by law not to reveal this information.

This is what I was thinking...but I wasn't sure if that was the case or not.

 

[Papagayo]

Lot of jobs now prefer College graduates for managers..

Depends on his age..

If he's clost to retiring, maybe Walmart Greeter..

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Lot of jobs now prefer College graduates for managers..

Depends on his age..

If he's clost to retiring, maybe Walmart Greeter..

Not close to retiring. He's 45.

 

[tm37]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
his previous employer would be in big trouble if they said anything bad about your step-father. i know that even if he embezzled from the company (not saying your step dad did) that his employer is bound by law not to reveal this information.

Well proving it will be very difficult. So at this point All they have to say is we cannot not discuss it due to pending litigation and They are fine.

and then the question is Who is sueing who? It is not as cut and dry as you think. Not only do you have to prove that bad things were said about you but that they directly affected you and caused a loss. If you can PROVE that any negitive comments made by your former employer have caused you a LOSS then you may have a case. Other than that you are pretty much SOL.

Also depending upon your state there may be no such thing as wrongful termination unless it was retalitory.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: tm37
Also depending upon your state there may be no such thing as wrongful termination unless it was retalitory.

Right.

But I'm not seeking any input with that - different subject I'm staying out off. What I want to do is help my step-dad get a new job ... preferably a job he would enjoy.

 

[daveymark]

Do you want to know how to help him get a job? Or do you want suggestions for a job for him from ATOT?

at 45, he'd be considered a liability, and it's hard to prove age discrimintation

 

[robphelan]

i have a friend in medical equipment sales.. makes really good money.. travels a bit, but not too much.

 

[SagaLore]

.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: daveymark
Do you want to know how to help him get a job? Or do you want suggestions for a job for him from ATOT?

Both... I think...

Originally posted by: robphelan
i have a friend in medical equipment sales.. makes really good money.. travels a bit, but not too much.

Would he need any medical knowledge/experience?

 

[PowerMacG5]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
his previous employer would be in big trouble if they said anything bad about your step-father. i know that even if he embezzled from the company (not saying your step dad did) that his employer is bound by law not to reveal this information.

Is that true? So what happens if me and a boss leave on bad terms, but I leave him on my resume, and a future employer contacts him? What can he, and can he not say?

 

[EXman]

Originally posted by: DaiShan
Well, he has managerial experience, is he only applying for sales positions, or is he applying for managerial positions as well? Why would the company give him a bad reference if he was laid off rather than fired?

Well when your sueing them afterwards no one wants to hire a person who sues prior employers for what ever reason.

Does your Step-Dad have a chance at winning the suit soon? If not I bet he will not get the job he wants until after the suit is finalized.

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
his previous employer would be in big trouble if they said anything bad about your step-father. i know that even if he embezzled from the company (not saying your step dad did) that his employer is bound by law not to reveal this information.

but the previous employer can also simply acknowledge that the person worked there. That does not say much for someone who worked 18 years with them. So although they do not say anything bad, not saying anything could raise alarms with potential employers.

 

[fitzov]

Isn't there someone at his office that can vouch for him? Does the company have a human resources dept.? If so then your stepdad is in ok shape. I've known several managers/supervisors who didn't have a college degree.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: fitzov
Isn't there someone at his office that can vouch for him? Does the company have a human resources dept.? If so then your stepdad is in ok shape. I've known several managers/supervisors who didn't have a college degree.

Vouch for him in what way?