Seeking opinions about job application

[XanaDUer2]

I saw a job right near my home in my field. I live in a small city where many people know each other, and it is a red, right-to-work state.

Sooo, I thought I would give it a whirl. However, and I have applied for many, many jobs over the years...the terms of employment are weird. The terms, paraphrasing, said that they could talk to my neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc about my character and general characteristics, my way of being. I am out on FMLA leave due to stress currently.

It also says that, if employment is offered to me, then rescinded, they can tell any future employers about my "termination" and the hospital will not be held liable for doing so. I've never seen such language before in a terms-of-employment for a job application.

Having a mental illness, a do miss a lot of work. It may call my current supervisor, who is a nut, and who slapped my hand. I posted about that here weeks ago.

I stopped the application due to a hinky feeling. Do I really want to work at a place with such terms? I have nothing to hide and have been gainfully employed since 1987- 26 years' post- Master's degree. But, still.

This has upset me, since I was thinking this would be a way to get out of my current situation. Am I being too sensitive?

I am pretty sure they will call my employer. I don't want them to know I am out on FMLA.

Any thoughts?

[jmbar2]

1. IMHO - don't

Sounds really oppressive and stressful.

[leftieNanner]

2. That Sounds Hinky to me

They are asking you to give up all of your employment rights.

Sounds like the kind of place that would mistreat you and then say "Well, at least you have a job."

Just my take. Others on DU make have a different opinion.

[marble falls]

3. I wouldn't apply unril I was off FMLA

[choie]

4. I've never had an employer

who would release information about why an employee was "terminated". That doesn't sound right at all.

[multigraincracker]

5. Could any of this violate

HIPPA laws?
Just a thought.

[Hoyt]

6. Most employers do some kind of background check nowadays. Sounds like standard language

saying what they might do. I bet they won't talk to neighbors, etc., but they could depending on the job and perhaps their liability insurer's policies.

As to if you are terminated or not hired-- I doubt they tell anyone calling for a reference much about an employee's departure. The language sounds like they are trying to cover their rears just in case a supervisor says too much, or a former employee says the employer said too much.

While I haven't read the language, and am not an attorney, I think you are reading too much into the application language.

Your current employer -- if they have a lick of sense -- probably won't say more than she is currently on FMLA or just leave. Obviously, that could be an issue with the perspective employer.

Assuming you really want the job and that you will have an interview before background checks are initiated, I'd probably explain the situation in the interview. Not sure it will be viewed positively, but better to lay it on the line than have it come up in a employment check.

Whatever, good luck.