Unfair No Re-hire Status/Can an employer who gave me a no re-hire ruin my career?

[csh]

I was employed by a large state agency in Texas for 3 years, 2001-2004. I received very good reviews and did good work while at this agency. Luckily I still have a copy of my last review, which was superior overall.

Unfortunately I had some problems prior to resigning from the agency. My last supervisor and I did not get along. When I told her I wanted to give 2 weeks notice, she stated, "Get out right now." She then told HR that I quit without notice and gave me a no re-hire.

Basically my question is how much will this no re-hire affect my future career? This happened almost a year ago. Since then I have completed my Masters degree and have had another job, which will provide a good reference. Is there any way I can block this former employer from giving anyone a reference? I have to put this job on my resumé because the experience is contingent upon my continuing work in the field. I have a job interview Wednesday and I am worried.

 

[CheeseBlotto]

Nothing says a job reference has to be a direct supervisor. Was there someone at your level or (preferably) higher that can speak to the job you did?

 

[cbg]

No, there is no way you can legally block this employer from being a reference.

But a single no-rehire is not going to be a career killer. Some companies have a blanket no-rehire policy. Other employers don't ask about rehire status in reference information. Still others have sense enough to ASK why an employee is listed as no-rehire, and decide for themselves if it's a valid reason or not.

Few if any employers will refuse to hire someone because ONE company listed them as no-rehire. Employers are not sheep; they do not follow blindly after a "leader".

Relax, you're worrying over nothing.