A dilemma

[bluemax]

So while I was away from my desk, I got a voice mail from some company I haven't heard from trying to verify past employment of a former student worker. No one else knows this call came in, so my dilemma is this: do I make the return call or do I tell someone else to make it? I'm not really in a position of power at this job, but they didn't ask for anyone specifically and of the people working here I'm the only one who worked directly with this guy. I know all the information they want, so should I just make the call or should I turn it over to my supervisor who was not his direct supervisor at the time and was not part of the hiring process for this guy (I was).

[brawndolicious]

call the company back and ask?

[Cyanista]

Most places have fairly strict guidelines for how to give employee references.  I'd ask a supervisor.  I know in this state it is legal ONLY to give the dates worked and the rate of pay.

[Fresh Prince]

Depends if the employer is asking for a referee or just a verification of former employment. By the sounds of it's just the latter so I see no problem in telling them, yes he worked here for x months as a x. If they want further details (or a reference0 pass it on to the supervisor.

[Mupepe]

i wouldn't do it if it's not your responsibility.  What's the point in doing more work and possibly getting in trouble?  avoid it or refer it to a supervisor.

[bluemax]

And I just told my department director.

I guess this wasn't a big deal really.