Interview cancelled at short notice due to lies told by someone

[JackNoneReacher]

My job interview was cancelled this morning. The agent rang and said the company had been told by someone (wouldn't say who) that I had poor little knowledge on one area of my job. This is untrue btw.

They wouldn't say who the source is. I don't know. I can think of someone who I didn't see eye to eye with at all in a previous job but just can't believe that he would say this - mainly on the basis that we haven't worked together for over two years.

I'm so angry and worried that it could happen again.

Is there anything I can do or should I just move on?

Thanks.

[RedHelenB]

Could it have been from your reference from your last job?

[JackNoneReacher]

This would have been a first interview. Not really at reference stage.

[JackNoneReacher]

Plus it still wouldn't be true!

[StarlightMcKenzie]

who knew you had an interview?

Was an ex colleague on the interview panel?

[ShatnersBassoon]

It must be someone on the interview panel. Nobody else would be taken seriously iyswim. It is really unfair though, to write you off before you've had a chance to prove yourself.

Could you ask them to reconsider? Insist they reconsider.

[MexicanHat]

I think it's a bit shoddy not to even hear your side of the story!! How rude.

[nancerama]

This happened to me once. It was a dream job. I was being made redundant due to my company folding, but still working. Went out for the interview at the agency, was told I was being put forward. Had a first interview with one of the hiring managers and they wanted to do a second interview there and then with the department director, but they couldn't get hold of him. They said they'd be in touch the next day to make arrangements.

Turns out there was a jealous cowbag at the company I was working for who was best mates with the lady from the agency. They talked about me over drinks and the second interview was retracted as I was suddenly deemed unsuitable

I was furious. I was going to complain to the agency head office as I felt it was a breach of confidentiality. I did nothing and ended up living overseas for a few years instead.

I feel sad for you OP. is there any way you can try and bypass the person who stuck the knife in.

[JackNoneReacher]

No one at all where I work knew I had an interview.

Two ex colleagues. I guess it has to be one of them. Unless they've contacted my current or ex employer.

BeertricksPotter really?? I've never heard of this. They haven't asked me and wouldn't even know who my line manager was or anything. Plus it still wouldn't be true.

I wouldn't go there now as I have no respect for a company that would do this - short notice cancellation - after I spent ages preparing on the say so of... well I don't even know who..

[JackNoneReacher]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I'm just worried it could happen again. And that someone has spread lies about me and I don't know who or have a chance to defend myself.

[plantsitter]

I would plague the agency until they tell you who it was. It could've been the agency themselves who'd decided someone else would be better and if that's the case ywu need to know so you can steer clear.

Very frustrating for you.

[nicename]

That's rotten!

I've had agencies call me up for the skinny on ex staff but I've always been lovely about them (they were a great bunch in the main). I haven't been called by anyone for a potential interview though.

It sounds fishy - an excuse? I'd speak to the agent and get them to not take 'no' for an answer. You don't want the agent to think that you have lies on your CV anyway.

Hope you have better luck soon.

[BettyBotter]

Find out from the agency if they had followed up your references. If yes, the bad review will most likely have been given by somebody in a company you are listing as a reference. Then change your referees.

It is a myth that employers can't give a bad reference.

(If they didn't follow up references then perhaps someone at the company was recruited from your old place of work. Someone who's got it in for you???)

[JackNoneReacher]

They wouldn't tell the agent. Just said it was 'confidential'.

[nancerama]

An ex colleague (or ex friend) must either work at the company you are interviewing with or someone involved in the process must know someone you know. Very disappointing

[scarlettsmummy2]

I am an ex recruiter. We regularly take references as soon as someone is interviewed to get sales leads. In addition to this, good recruiters know lots of people so it could even have been just an insider tip off.

[OlympicSleepingChampion]

A friend of mine is going through this at the moment. His ex-employer has been issuing wholly inaccurate written references and the verbal ones - normally taken up prior to shortlisting - are probably much worse. He found out when a potential employer withdrew a job offer and advised him to use the Data Protection Act to get a copy of the reference. He did and it was a total hatchet job - all because he had raised a grievance for bullying and had it upheld. Which he has documentary evidence of but that is no use when the fuckers can stop you even getting an interview.

He has managed to get the written one amended but obviously has no control over the verbal one. And asking potential employers not to take up verbal references just sends up a massive red flag but he now feels he has no choice - be honest from the outset and maybe get an interview or say nowt and have no sodding chance. Having said that though, at his last interview they didn't take up verbals as he requested and was only just pipped at the post for the job and got great interview feedback.