Please bear with me, I know this was probably already asked and answered, but I've skimmed through some of the messages and was not able to find the answer. Does anybody know if there is a way to apply for a job without alerting current employer? I like working here, but I am scared I won't have a job soon, so I thought about applying to a few places. I don't want to give them a reason to let me go, though. If I list references that have nothing to do with Humana, will that stop the potential employer from contacting them? Again, I am sorry if this is already asked, or if somebody thinks it's a stupid question. I am just really scared right now, and I am trying to weigh all of my options.
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Coaches/supervisors are not allowed to give references. At least that is what I was told when I asked for ones needed to apply to go back to school. My school application required a certain number of references from supervisors to attest to the work ethic and ability to succeed in a graduate program. I was able to submit that email from my then coach in my school application explaining lack of this requirement, as well as a number of other references from colleagues who I had worked with in previous settings who had advanced degrees (like the nurse practitioners I worked with in another life and a couple medical directors). As a former hiring manager myself, we did not ask our nurses or other applicants for professional references, so I don't know why you would need one, unless you are applying to a prestigious role. My advice is to make friends with colleagues as you are in your career, and stay friends with them. They can give you a "professional reference" even though they may not have been your supervisor. This is also great if you worked with them once and they every became promoted to a supervisor position. Don't get too hung up on Humana's policy on not providing references. If you can get that in writing or a copy of that policy, I am sure your potential new employer will work with you. In the companies in which I hired, we looked at so much more of a candidate's ability to succeed in the job in which they applied, not necessarily from which they came. Good luck
I was laid off in the last round (PHC), and my suggestion is (again) keep in touch with your contacts, be it Coach, team-mate, etc. I made a lot of connections while there, and my first manager got several promotions. I kept up with her all along (and with a few others in different departments that I did other projects with), and recently, after my "term" date, that manager gave me a great rec/review on a career site. My last coach also said he'd give me a recommendation. In keeping up with former team-mates, I've gotten great info and leads...so my thoughts are to keep those email addresses/phone #'s and once you are past your term date, it can't hurt to ask your good contacts. They can say no, but good relationships are worth gold and most people will help if needed. I would do it for most any of my team-mates. Hang in people....LifeIsGood
Actually the company can stop them from doing that! They must refer all references to HR. They could get in big trouble. However, if they are impacted they are free to give references once they leave Humana.
Humana will only verify employment, not give references. However, an individual coach or manager can offer to be a reference. The company can't stop them from doing that.
It is rare that a company will allow supervisors to give references. It's to cover the company's butt from possible lawsuits.
Every company I have worked for they were not allowed to give references. My sister is VP of HR at a Fortune 500 and said it is the standard to not give references. That way the company can't be sued for a person not getting a job or for defamation of character.
Better to ask co-workers at Humana since coaches and COMs cannot!
What's the reasoning for that? I've never worked for a company where so couldnt use my supervisor for a reference. I have some nice letters of recommendation as a result of past jobs.
They are not allowed to give references. They must refer back to HR who can only give dates of hire, if you are eligible to rehire and salary.
@otn Your coach may have said absolutely. But as someone who left and has friends who left from different teams - the consensus is that it is not allowed. I guess some teams and coaches go rogue - can't blame em!
Huh.... I asked my coach if I could use him as a reference and he said absolutely.
Coaches will not give you a reference so the best solution is don't bother. They will only direct the individual to HR who will confirm your employment dates and role. (I've been there and have new employment now.) But I check here still to see how everyone is doing because I know how much it s---s. My two cents, apply and
Don't worry about Humana!
My understanding coaches.. supervisors can not be used as a reference. At least that is what mine said. Lol
I think there's a couple things to keep in mind here, firstly we're pretty certain they've already decided who's being let go and we're just waiting for them to tell us hopefully in the next week or two, so what ever you do now probably won't make a difference. Also, if you apply now elsewhere it will take several weeks for them to contact you, interview you, and then check your references. And lastly, anywhere I've ever applied has you specify who you want contacted for a reference. So if you have a good relationship with some coworkers, or your coach, they can be contacted directly.
I think any sane person would be supportive of you just wanting to have job options