FedEx/Reference check FYI Story

[navyflyer]

Take this for what it's worth...ran into an old friend, he asked about the FedEx application process. He asked me who my references were and then proceeded to tell me a story about one of his buds who applied and was not accepted for hire. Turns out one of his references was an old Commanding Officer (being military). I guess when FedEx called, they got the CO's secretary (very junior enlisted) and asked if the CO was available. The secretary said that he was not, could he have him call back. FedEx replied (to the like) 'No, that's OK, why don't YOU tell us about LT XXXXXX XXXXXX, what do you think of him, would you hire him?'

Now, I don't know what was said, but, he didn't get the job...

You just never know who is going to pick up that phone...

 

[TheBaron]

Smells a little....

like BS to me. The references you put down on your FedEx application are company employees. Your reference would have already gone on-line and filled out a "Pilot Employment Recommendation" form. They don't call you to verify that you actually recommended the person because it is already a matter of record, with your employee number and comments attached. I could be wrong, and often am, but it sounds like someone is trying to justify why they weren't hired...or it's just one of those urban legends. The HR people here are the best; they aren't going to torpedo somebody for no good reason.

 

[PurpleChimp]

That could have most definitely happened. FedEx called my unit to talk to my boss but when he wasn't available, they talked to the member of my squadron who happened to answer the phone, chatted him up and asked him if I was a good dude or not. I can definitely see how this could've occurred. As far as getting torpedoed from that one phone call, I doubt that too.

 

[FN FAL]

I guess when FedEx called, they got the CO's secretary (very junior enlisted) and asked if the CO was available. The secretary said that he was not, could he have him call back. FedEx replied (to the like) 'No, that's OK, why don't YOU tell us about LT XXXXXX XXXXXX, what do you think of him, would you hire him?'

If you're looking for a theory, maybe FedEx figured that if LT XXXXXX treated very junior enlisted persons badly, how hard was he going to be on the ramp staff?

 

[New FDX Guy]

Whether it's true or not...be sure to give out a phone number which only that person will answer. Perhaps they didn't hire him because he wasn't smart enough to know that.

For what it's worth, when they called my employment references, they only verified my employment and didn't ask about me at all. And it happened the day before or the day of the interview, can't remember which.

 

[Osmosis]

I agree with Purple Chimp on this one. When FedEx called my commander, he was deployed, so our asst DO got to talk to them for awhile. They did ask a few questions about me, and it wasn't just "Did this guy work there?" Luckily, our asst DO is a good friend of mine, but if our exec (non-flyer) picked up the phone it could have been a whole different conversation. Would one call like the one to the secretary kill you? I don't think so. But if you were skating on thin ice to begin with, that may have been the final input.

 

[rickair7777]

I doubt FEDEX would go on the word of one "very junior enlisted" alone, they know how the military works. If all the junior enlisted loved you to death, that may or may not be a good reflection on your military leadership abilities...

 

[navyflyer]

No BS here guys, to clarify, it wasn't his online recs, but his employment verification. His CO wasn't around, therefore they asked the secretary to verify employment and if he would hire him. Guy said no, he didn't like him!!

Actually, something similiar happened to me, those exact questions were asked to the persons I listed to verify my employment history (I found out after talking to them after FedEx called), they were all asked the same two questions above.

One of my old squadrons (from 5 years ago)...there isn't a person there who knew me when I was there. HOWEVER, a Chief picked up the phone when FedEx called to verify. He was asked these two questions, and he told me that he told them, "I don't know the guy, but, I can verify that he worked here from these dates. He was honorably discharged from this command after XX years of service, in that case, I'd hire him."

Point being, make sure you give a good phone number to the person that you want FedEx to talk to...unless you've $hit all over your enlisted/co-workers and think your good looks alone will get you in the door!

 

[FedExFlyer]

Now, I don't know what was said, but, he didn't get the job...

You just never know who is going to pick up that phone...

navyflyer...........I thought you said you don't know what was said?????????

Why dont you set the record straight for the rest of us on your story by claiming you dont know what was said and now apparaently the secretary said he "didnt like him".........sounds like some BS to me too.

 

[navyflyer]

YOU GOT ME!!!!! WOW!!! I'M IMPRESSED!! I MADE THE WHOLE THING UP, HAD NOTHING BETTER TO DO TODAY!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

Whatever, get off my back! I was trying to be a bit discreet, not to put out too much info...you don't have to be an Einstein to figure out who you know and don't know on this site. Since I was told it was BS, thought I'd amplify, is that OK?

Take it for what it's worth...my point IS/bottom line STILL IS, you better use a good number on your work history references, a number that belongs to the person you want FedEx to talk to!!!

 

[Diesel]

Or maybe the guy was really a dooouchee to everyone around him. It's called Karma.

Maybe the point of this thread should be don't be a douuche to those around you. It might come back to bite you in the ass.

 

[TheBaron]

Still stinks...

I misunderstood that it was his/her prior employment verification. Still, they only ask dates of employment and if you are available for rehire, otherwise they open themselves up to law suits. In fact, the last HR class I attended, they made it sound like you could not even ask if the former employee was available to be rehired. Maybe your "friend" can talk to that rjdc guy that's always babbling about suing FedEx for their hiring practices.

 

[Diesel]

Can the military even be open up to lawsuits about employment? I don't think so but i'm not sure.

 

[TheBaron]

Can the military even be open up to lawsuits about employment? I don't think so but i'm not sure.

Good question. I doubt the military could be sued in a case like this but if a person were acting outside the scope of their authority, I bet the individual could be sued. Seems that military Doc's can now be sued in cases of negligence.

....and it still smells fishy!

 

[FedExFlyer]

Or maybe the guy was really a dooouchee to everyone around him. It's called Karma.

Maybe the point of this thread should be don't be a douuche to those around you. It might come back to bite you in the ass.

My point exactly Diesel..........what a concept!!

 

[Diesel]

What's that phrase. Be nice to the people on the way up. You're bound to see them on the way down.