Apple hides job titles of ex-employees, reclassifies them all as 'associates'

#AppleToo organizer Cher Scarlett says she failed to get a new job because Apple unilaterally changes ex-employees' job titles, meaning her resume no longer tallied with Apple's records.

Before she left Apple, Cher Scarlett was an early founder of the #AppleToo movement. Since leaving, she's argued against Apple attempting to get her to sign an NDA, and has now also revealed a peculiar business practice at the company.

According to The Washington Post, once someone leaves the company, Apple revises the public record of their job title. Regardless of their actual job title while employed, Apple reportedly changes it always and only read "Associate."

Possibly it's a secrecy move to make it harder to determine patterns if certain related groups of people leave at the same time. But regardless of Apple's reasons, Scarlett says that the result is that a company rescinded its job offer to her.

Reportedly, a job verification service was unable to verify her resume because of the change. The verification was delayed by almost a week, and during that time, the company withdrew its job offer.

The Washington Post reports that an Apple spokesperson confirmed that the firm has changed job titles to associate "for years," but did not provide an explanation.

"We are and have always been deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace," the spokesperson told the publication. "We take all concerns seriously and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised and, out of respect for the privacy of any individuals involved, we do not discuss specific employee matters."

Separately, US state treasurers have asked the SEC to investigate Apple's use of NDAs with employees, as described by Scarlett.

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31 Comments

ihatescreennames 1911 comments · 19 Years

About 2 years ago

My wife works in HR and is frequently assisting with hiring (and separations). She also handles employment verification. She has repeatedly told me the only thing she can verify is if someone actually worked at her company, that’s it. Job titles shouldn’t matter in that case.

ETA: Asked my wife for clarification, here’s what she said, “Yeah we don't actually do it it's all outsourced so they can only give the high-level information they were employed at this company from this date to that one. They can also get general titles, I believe. But it’s not uncommon for titles not to match. They also verify education, etc. generally just trying to make sure it all checks out at a high level.”

I was a little off but my point is it’s unlikely this person didn’t get hired simply because Apple (supposedly) changed job titles on departure.

22july2013 3586 comments · 11 Years

About 2 years ago

I'm surprised any company is required to report whether someone ever worked at their company. Is one's employer a public record in some state or federal database?

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

About 2 years ago

For as long as I can remember I've had the obligation to provide a reference be part of my employment contract. Every time Apple and employment issues are mentioned it makes me glad I don't work there. They seem like a pain in the ass.

mike1 3292 comments · 10 Years

About 2 years ago

ihatescreennames said:

My wife works in HR and is frequently assisting with hiring (and separations). She also handles employment verification. She has repeatedly told me the only thing she can verify is if someone actually worked at her company, that’s it. Job titles shouldn’t matter in that case.
ETA: Asked my wife for clarification, here’s what she said, “Yeah we don't actually do it it's all outsourced so they can only give the high-level information they were employed at this company from this date to that one. They can also get general titles, I believe. But it’s not uncommon for titles not to match. They also verify education, etc. generally just trying to make sure it all checks out at a high level.”

I was a little off but my point is it’s unlikely this person didn’t get hired simply because Apple (supposedly) changed job titles on departure.

Yep. Other than maybe a mom and pop type of business, no company will give out any information in addition to whether or not you worked there. Everyone learned that lesson when former employees would sue because their former employers would share why they were terminated or said the applicants were lousy performers. So, changing files to "Associate" makes perfect sense. That way the employee providing the verification can't accidentally provide too much info.

22july2013 said:

I'm surprised any company is required to report whether someone ever worked at their company. Is one's employer a public record in some state or federal database?

Basic reciprocal courtesy. Otherwise, applicants would just say they worked anyplace they want and completely fabricate resumes. This way, at least they know if the person was employed where they said the were. Like I said above, very unlikely that anything more would be divulged.

nizzard 58 comments · 14 Years

About 2 years ago

hey - here's a thought. Maybe the company rescinded their offer because they found out who they were dealing with. Who wants to bring that into their organization?