What is it? If an employer were to call Target for a reference, what information would they release? I know some places only give out date of employment, while others give reasons as to why he/she left etc.
If I am terminated, what kind of info will they release?
If I resign without giving two weeks notice or let go, can I negotiate and see if I could get a reference that wouldn't screw up my employment history? (It's a special situation).
Information and references are NEVER given for anyone.
Anyone who calls is directed to call the tmsc.
There's a company called 'the work number'and the tm needs to allow access to the info.
Giving this type of information puts Target at risk.
If someone wants to give a reference personally, that's another story.
So if I am filling out a job application and indicate that it's OK to contact my former employer for a reference, Target will just confirm my dates of employment?
First you need to know that half of what TMs have told you so far is only half right.
There is absolutely no law that prohibits an employer from telling outsiders why you were fired. The *only* time an employer could face legal consequences for this would be if they crossed the line into slander/libel (which is very hard to prove). Basically, it would have to shown in court that the employer knowingly lied about you and that it caused you damages. In other words, pretend you simply got fired for not showing up, but your employer told anyone who contacted them for a reference that you got fired for stealing. That would cross into libel/slander and you could sue them. However, if they said you got fired for not showing up for work (the truth), they are untouchable.
Now, company policy is a totally different story. If company policy bans employees from telling references the reasons you don't work there anymore, then that is an internal rule that HR must follow. Fortunately for you, target has such a policy. All Target will tell them (via the worknumber, as was noted above) is dates you worked, your title, and if the term was voluntary or not. (How do I know? I called the number myself after I quit Target the first time because I was curious about just this thing) Therefore, if you think you are going to get fired, you need to quit before they can do so. Otherwise, your term will go down as involuntary, which looks bad.
My advice to you? Before you leave get the phone numbers of some ETLs and TLs if you are cool with any of them. They cannot provide references for you now, but there is a high chance that at least some of them will *not* be working at Target within the next 1-2 years. (ETL turnover is crazy right now) Once they no longer work for Target, they will be free to give references for you in the future.
Second thing - unless you have a college degree and are applying for jobs that actually require a college degree, it is incredibly unlikely any employer will actually check references. If you are applying for retail or any other job that only needs a high school education (or less) they simply don't care enough to check. So don't worry about it.