employment verification

[seeker]

What is the name of your state? Ga.

Recently I was turned down for a job because they could not verify my employment. I have since called my previous employer and they do not have any record of my employment there. I need to correct this but am at a loss about how to proceed.

The previous employer suggested that I send them a copy of my W-4. However, because I lived on the coast during Katrina I've lost all of my records. (My previous employer was in Louisiana, not Georgia)

Is there not some law that governs employment records? How can I address this situation? I can, if push comes to shove, contact the IRS for copies of my W-4 but I feel that the responsiblity should be on the prior employer and not myself.

What options do I have when dealing with my prior employer? Is there some legal recourse I can pursue due to their negligent record keeping? Their ineffeciency is clearly causing me to be dismissed when applying for a job.

Thanks, Seeker

 

[cbg]

Louisiana got hit pretty hard by the storms there, too. How do you know they did not lose their records the same way you lost yours?

 

[xylene]

How can I address this situation? I can, if push comes to shove, contact the IRS for copies of my W-4 but I feel that the responsiblity should be on the prior employer and not myself.

It is your responsibilty (and right) to get the records from the IRS.

It is very easy to do. Call them to discuss the exact procedure. You are not the only Katrina survivor with missing paperwork. You will be surprised- they will be friendly and helpful.

Dealing with the IRS will be very easy, and will be many times easier than dealing with a non-cooperatve EX-employer, who has little power to get your materials from the IRS anyway.

They no doubt asked you to get your record for them so they could see what they could do for you on their end. This is more than they need to do.

Consider taking some coursework at a U. or College. It could help you bridge an employment gap. There may be funding.

Best Wishes.

 

[seeker]

cbg, My records are (were) kept in a bankers box in my shed. I highly doubt that a large law firm would keep their records in a box in a shed. I'm aware that La. was hit hard, that's why I left. Actually, the HR department has informed me that their records are kept in a database..it's just that I'm not in there for some unknown reason.

xylene, thanks for you suggestions. I suppose I will have to do the work myself..although I don't appreciate the inconvenience their record keeping ineffeciency is causing me.

Thanks for the suggestions about funding for educational assistance but there are others that have more need than I. And, I already have my degree so I'm not too interested in taking other courses at the moment though it could always be a possibility down the road. I'm returning to work after a lengthy absence due to a heart attack, which is explainable, but the inability to verify a previous employer is causing some difficulty.

Such is life**************.....thanks!