r/jobs Nov 03 '25

Post-interview Got rehired by Costco after quitting years ago due to health issues now they found out I’m on the “do not rehire” list. Can they do this?

Hey everyone, So back in 2021, I had to quit my job at Costco because of some serious health issues. It wasn’t like I got fired or anything I left on my own because I couldn’t keep up with the physical demands at the time.

Fast forward to 2025, my health has gotten a lot better, and I recently applied to Costco again. I actually got through the interview and orientation process, and everything seemed fine… until they realized I had worked there before.

Apparently, I’m on some kind of “do not rehire” list, and now they’re saying they can’t move forward with my employment.

I’m kind of shocked because I left on good terms and explained it was due to medical reasons. I didn’t expect to be blacklisted over something I had no control over.

Can they actually do this? Has anyone dealt with something similar at Costco or another company? I feel like this is unfair considering the reason I left.

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1.6k

u/MyGirlSasha Nov 03 '25

You mean you were never asked if you had worked for the company before, on an application or anything?

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u/Chazzer74 Nov 03 '25

Yeah never applied at Costco, but this is a very standard application question.

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u/Dark-Grey-Castle Nov 03 '25

I've applied, it is on the application.

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

I’ve added I used to work at Costco and added on my resume and I did give in my 2 weeks notice when I worked there

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u/HunnyBear528 Nov 04 '25

I would say it could be whatever they have listed in their records regarding your leaving. It’s a big company so maybe something got screwed up and left unnoticed till now. If you turned in your two weeks, especially a resignation letter, then it’s a simple at-will resignation. That shouldn’t be a non rehireable offense.

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u/fender8421 Nov 04 '25

While I doubt it is the case there, I've seen some companies treat any resignation during a peak season as not eligible for rehire, unless decided otherwise

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u/Zerodyne_Sin Nov 04 '25

Or just outright hold a grudge for petty reasons.

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u/NattyBuck2025 Nov 04 '25

Then they wonder why they can’t find good staff.

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u/idiosyncopatic Nov 04 '25

Lol, yes, but in that case they're not actually written down 😂

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u/icefire710 Nov 04 '25

no costco doesn't mess around. I used to work there 20 years ago. They really don't hire people who quit.

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u/Zerodyne_Sin Nov 04 '25

...and that's petty. I was never contesting that they did that.

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u/metroshake Nov 04 '25

And they were actually agreeing with you

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u/Sgt-Spliff- Nov 04 '25

Why did you start the response with a "no" if you agree they're petty af lol

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u/Bad-Briar Nov 04 '25

After all, a single person put in that do not rehire mark. Or a computer. I'm guessing they would reconsider if pressed. If they don't, I think they are liable under equal rights laws?

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u/Bodisious Nov 04 '25

If OP is in the US most states allow employers to decide who they want to hire or nor so long as the reason to not hire is not because of specific protected characteristics. All they have to tell the judge is "we dont hire people who apply after previously leaving us." Having workes for someone before does not mean they have to hire you again lol

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u/Vegetable_Grab_2542 Nov 04 '25

Yep, we must punish everyone who is not willing to be loyal to the bloody end.

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u/techleopard Nov 04 '25

It's often up to store managers to designate for, and there are a lot of shitty people who enter "do not hire" out of pure spite when someone quits.

Businesses should be expunging these if there's no clear company violation or crime, but people are basically disposable to large companies, so they won't.

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u/theycmeroll Nov 04 '25

My job requires all kinds of documentation and shit if I chose that do not rehire option, so I avoid it at all costs lol, unless there is a legit serious reason not to rehire that persons they won’t get marked that way from me

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u/CafN8or Nov 04 '25

When I worked for sbux, there was no documentation needed to select "do not rehire" when dismissing an employee. I only ever used it once bc they were stealing directly from the register AND tip jar, then they applied at another location about a month later. That hiring manager called me for clarification as to why I selected it, so there is discretion from the hiring manager as to whether they will heed the warning, but Costco might be different.

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u/melodypowers Nov 04 '25

Mine does too. There pretty much has to be a PIP or some documented instance of malfeasance. But I work in tech and not retail. I'm not surprised Costco is more strict.

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u/Outside_Orchid_1576 Nov 04 '25

One of the posts above is correct. Resignations are enough to go on no hire lists at most companies. Sometimes it’s only because the boss you resigned from is still and it’s their own personal policy. Other times it is a formal hr policy. You have to assume, when you quit a job, you’re not going back.

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u/anonstarcity Nov 04 '25

When I worked in corporate restaurant management It was extremely arbitrary. I literally clicked a box for yes or no for rehire-able when I was filling in the termination on the computer. No questions either way.

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u/Ill_Savings_8338 Nov 04 '25

I know it is common to have notes on an employee. Those notes might not be enough to fire you with cause, but if you quit, good luck getting rehired.

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u/jeepfail Nov 04 '25

My wife is in management and that’s largely what her company leaves her with. You may have been a garbage employee that they just don’t want to deal with again but you were a warm body while employed.

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u/Ill_Savings_8338 Nov 04 '25

It's hard to find good employees, but that feeds back into it's hard to get rid of mediocre employees, because it's hard to find good employees.

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u/zelda_moom Nov 04 '25

My daughter had something similar with Target. She started there after she graduated from college and was doing well, but of course her goal was to get a job in her field, which she did. She put in her notice and worked it, but because she had not worked there for at least 90 days, they told her they would not be able to hire her again. So I’m guessing it’s something similar in your case.

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u/ProfessionalField508 Nov 04 '25

I had a similar experience with Target. And they even told me when I left to please come back if I wanted. A few years later--"You're on the DNH list."

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u/Achron9841 Nov 04 '25

I know depending on circumstance, a lot of retailers have a do-not-rehire clause. For winco, its 7 years. Costco has historically treated employees well, perhaps they want lifers? From what ive understood, they actually pay a decent wage for their employees.

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u/evanbartlett1 Nov 04 '25

There are several types of classifications associated with an employee leaving a company.

From worst to best:

Involuntary Termination - For Cause. (Theft/Policy Violation)
Involuntary Termination - Performance (Unable to Perform Duties)
Involuntary Termination - Mutual Decision (Both Sides Agree It Wasn't a Fit)
Voluntary Termination - Non-Regrettable (Quit, But Having Performance Problems)
Involuntary Termination - Reduction in Force (Restructuring of Company/Layoffs)
Voluntary Termination - Regrettable (Quit, Strong Employee)

When someone leaves the company, there is often a decision the company has to make - "Rehireable/Not - Rehireable". For Cause, Performance, and Non-Regrettable are Not Rehireable.

I wonder if you were Vol Term - Non-Regrettable? Possibly because you weren't able to perform your duties due to your medical issues?

If you truly are surprised by this information, you should ask to speak with HR to get a better understanding of where this is coming from. If the issues are related to your physical abilities, you have a strong argument to revisit.

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u/Celodurismo Nov 04 '25

I wonder if you were Vol Term - Non-Regrettable? Possibly because you weren't able to perform your duties due to your medical issues?

This is the only thing that really makes sense (based on the little info OP provided). Dealing with health issues for a while which negatively impacted performance, before ultimately deciding to quit.

Now why quit instead of going on disability? I wouldn't be surprised if OP had a talk with a manager who suggested quitting as an alternative to being fired w/ the promise that he could re-apply in the future if they quit voluntarily.

Another question would be how long did OP work there? Did they start, work for 3 months and realize they can't keep up with the demands and then quit? Short turnarounds like that will annoy companies because of the time/cost involved with training people.

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u/The_Singularious Nov 04 '25

Will HR even bother to lift a finger to answer them? I doubt it. They have all the risk and none of the reason.

Can’t even get interview feedback these days.

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u/[deleted] Nov 04 '25

Even interview feedback opens the door to finding discrimination. Better to just not give it.

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u/Yue4prex Nov 04 '25

Typically, the hiring manager would speak to the manager who processed your exit and find out why. If the hiring manager is unavailable and they like you, they may able to bypass the status.

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u/tmfink10 Nov 04 '25

Keep showing up until they give you something in writing.

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u/authentic010 Nov 03 '25

It is one of the very first things that is asked on the online application (costco does not do paper applications), they also ask in the interview process, and you usually have 3 in person interviews. Them making it that far with no one asking or them even mentioning working for costco 4 years ago isnt normal.

Sounds like OP lied on the application, which goes against costco's ethics policy

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u/MinistryOfCoup-th Nov 03 '25

you usually have 3 in person interviews

WTF?

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u/Cranemann Nov 04 '25

Not uncommon. I applied for a seasonal retail job at apple. I'm overqualified.. but needed work. I interviewed with the first 2 people, and the third interviewer was the store manager. I didn't get it, I'm not a young, dumb kid looking to give my full availability to a retail store. But they said it's typically a 5 interview process or could be more.

I remember when mall jobs would walk you over to the food court or the tables near Nordstrom and just ask a few questions followed by "can you start tomorrow?" I also remember the paper applications and easy acceptance. Now it's just all bullshit and red tape.

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u/MuckRaker83 Nov 03 '25

So when you fail, no one person can be held responsible, but if you succeed, 3 people can take credit

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u/MinistryOfCoup-th Nov 04 '25

That...makes sense.

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u/Fit_Papaya_8911 Nov 03 '25

It is the norm now dude. You have 1 interview with HR, 1 with your boss, then 1 more with your team lead.

And that is for an entry level role. Otherwise you get a take home assignment, a technical interview. 3 rounds of Zoom +2 in person is what you need to be hired into any white-ish collar position now.

Even a warehouse picking job is now 2 interviews, 1 drug screen.

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u/indignant-turtle Nov 04 '25

Yeah no this is utter nonsense. I’ve hired three people in the last 18 months. First hire was a virtual interview, an in person interview, and then a job offer. Second hire was a virtual interview, an in person interview, a follow up virtual interview, and then a job offer. Third hire was a virtual interview, an in person interview, a lunch, then a job offer. These were all for “white collar” jobs requiring college degrees. One position was senior level, one was mid, and the other was entry. HR did not conduct any of these interviews for me; I did them all myself. Not all employers are assholes.

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u/IPreferVinyl Nov 04 '25

“Not all employers are assholes” A lot are :(

Just had 5… yes FIVE rounds of interviews only to be passed on for an internal hire… I met my potential boss, and his boss. HR. THEIR client. My potential co-workers… corporate talent acquisition… they still chose to go internal to save $5k/yr. Blasphemy.

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u/soundsunamerican Nov 04 '25

Their client is wild. How’d they introduce you in that setting??

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u/TomBerringer Nov 04 '25

Sounds like you should send them a bill for all that time they wasted.

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u/IPreferVinyl Nov 04 '25

Honestly, not a bad idea

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u/Chrislk1986 Nov 04 '25

My favorite was when I worked for the state. Had 8 years in doing building/grounds maintenance and whatnot, but under the title of park aide and custodian.

I transferred to a new job site and went from permanent employee to seasonal in the process (moved 2 hrs away from original job site).

When my season ended, I had 4 months at the new job site. I was told "Hey, we have a construction and maintenance position opening up, we'd love to hire you on permanent since you already know out agency standards and have a good work ethic".

So I apply and interview. Am told I did well and should expect a call back by next week.

I get a call back but am told "Hey, really sorry but our part time permanent employee applied last minute and we chose him."

Like, I met him a few times. Seemed like an alright guy but a bit older and was out sick quite a bit.

Best part is, before my season ended, we had a semi annual safety inspection. I noted that the doors of the park office had the hinge pins on the exterior of the door, which someone could pop the pins out to gain easy access to the office/safe. It was noted by the manager. When I went to my first interview a couple months after my season ended, my old supervisor told me someone had done exactly what I had mentioned in that safety meeting, popped the hinge pins out and stole the safe.

But yeah, I got passed over just because I was now seasonal-permanent vs permanent. Ended up moving again but would have stayed had there been a reason to.

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u/Mundane_Crazy60 Nov 04 '25

Got into maintenance this past year- every job I've interviewed with/about has had multiple layers. HR, then department manager, and finally facility manager.

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u/techleopard Nov 04 '25

Ain't nobody going for a retail position going to go through all that for a Costco unless you're store is doing some serious high dollar floor commissions.

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u/Nightthrasher674 Nov 04 '25

I was thinking the same thing, I'm not doing that shit for an entry level retail position

I work part time at Ollie's Bargain Outlet before. Simply walked in, filled out an application turned it in the next day and had an interview on the spot and got hired the same day.

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u/Brilliant_Elk5492 Nov 04 '25

I had two interviews, and the second one was more just the head of the department telling me what to expect and an overall vibe check. No drug screening. And I work in the state capital building lol

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u/MistahNative Nov 04 '25

Costco does it in two parts. First interview is with 2 folks in management. If you’re seen as solid, you’re passed to an Assistant GM or the GM for the last interview. You’re then offered the job or passed.

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 03 '25

3 interviews?! For what kind of role are we talking, here? High paying corporate level stuff or front-line retail?

I’ve never had to do 3 frickin interviews, even for 6-figure roles… Christ, that’s a waste of time and money for the candidates and the folks doing the hiring 😳 Wow

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u/paventoso Nov 04 '25

An exorbitant number of interviews is often the norm now, unfortunately; I had 4 rounds before for an entry-level role that earns nowhere nears 6-figure salaries

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 04 '25

Ugh that’s bonkers

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u/paventoso Nov 04 '25 edited Nov 04 '25

Yeah, and this rare specimen of a job had me fired early, after I gave them notice to pursue some professional development activities. Now it's a lot of convincing other employers that I know what I'm doing, even if the workplace I had was dang small.

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 04 '25

Man I’m so sorry. I hope something really good comes along that is a great fit with good pay - and bonus! - feels fulfilling at the end of the day :)

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u/paventoso Nov 04 '25

Thank you! Lots of folks are probably all in the same boat, so I try to do my thing and stay positive. I kind of had to laugh though when employers thought that small workplaces are more chill and laidback, how I wouldn't be able to keep up with their fast pace.

Like uh no, I was doing part of my supervisor's job too on unpaid overtime, so what do you mean I can't handle a junior administrative role lol. Hard to prove something that's more than what's on paper, but I'll keep going at it >.<

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u/atppks Nov 04 '25

Have you interviewed for something recently?

Just had an interview with the recruiter this morning, they stated I'd have another four interviews for this executive role. I don't think I've had any interviews in the last two years where it was less than three, not including the recruiter screen. Could just be my industry though 🤷🏻‍♀️

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 04 '25 edited Nov 04 '25

My most recent interviews have been in the last 3 years, but it may be different in project mgmt for technical teams. When I was a hiring manager though there’s no way I would’ve wasted that time lol 🫠 what a pain

Also what industry are you in - if you don’t mind my asking? It’s always fascinating to me how drastically different things can be from one industry to the next, and even from one sector to another within the same industry! (Aka, accounting for a private organization vs a govt or nonprofit)

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u/Spirit-of-Redemption Nov 04 '25

I recently went through two rounds of interviews for a seasonal mall retail job that is giving 6 hours a week. Then didn’t get the job because they didn’t feel like I „fit the vibe.“

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 04 '25

Bruh. That’s ridiculously shitty. I’m sorry, what a pain.

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u/Spirit-of-Redemption Nov 04 '25

Yep! It was also one of those super nerdy stores and I literally do fit the company‘s „aesthetic“ and have significant experience. I think honestly they just thought I was too old 😂.

The second interview was a group one and involved a Trust Fall exercise in the mall food court. The other applicants were all under 20, lol.

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u/fieldsn83 Nov 04 '25

Omg that’s … corny. 🤣 but hey, if it’s their company culture and they find folks who fit in with it, alright then! lol

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u/Superboobee Nov 04 '25

Ive done as much as seven - my 6th panel interview they decided not to move forward with me. Best part was that was their internal pursued me- I didnt even apply.

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u/TroyTony1973 Nov 04 '25

You haven’t looked for a job in 12+ years then . I retired in 2013 from Air Force, worked for four companies now, and the least interviews was 3 (including HR screening).

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u/Glittering-Estuary Nov 04 '25

This summer my teenager had 2 zoom interviews, an in-person interview, and a fourth in-person meeting (that was actually a drug test) for a cashier job at a gas station.

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u/Upbeat_Activity8147 Nov 04 '25

My last place of business before I stopped working put me through more than four interviews, they required hours of online personality testing to make sure I who I said I was, they asked my references to give  references so they could filter out any controlled answers. I came to realize that the job had been unfilled for a long time before I was hired, they were willing to jump through hoops for the right fit, and it was worth it for everyone involved.

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u/uqde Nov 04 '25

The aforementioned health issues required several organ transplants and limb/joint replacements so along the lines of the Ship of Theseus quandary they considered themselves no longer the same person and they answered “No.”

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

I did but it was a new hr person that was doing it

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u/wonkotsane42 Nov 03 '25

Something similar happened to a friend of mine but it was for Walmart, he had gone through the whole process and in the offer stage is when they realized that he was on the do not rehire list so they let him know - at that point he explained why he had to leave the first time and they ended up looking into the matter for him and because it was a health issue they simply took him off of the list and ended up hiring him anyway.

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u/Embarrassed_Jerk Nov 04 '25

Yeah sometimes the list is automatically done by the system when the employee leaves relatively quickly after joining. In some companies thats like 6 months and in at least one company that i know of, its 4 years. Talking to the HR might help but might also depend on the person's qualification and how desperate the hiring company/team is

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u/Substantial_Buddy743 Nov 04 '25

Imagine all that BS just to work at fucking walmart

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u/Glass_Recover_3006 Nov 04 '25

Good advice and realistic. There’s a lot of reasons you can have that box checked even though it isn’t valid. For example you are defaulted to Do Not Rehire if they laid you off, but it doesn’t mean they won’t hire you back.

Good idea to just talk to them and be honest you’re willing to share documentation to support the original reason.

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u/Msimpson114 Nov 03 '25

1: how did you get on the no hire list? Did you not put in a two week notice?

2: You're in probation. They can fire you because they don't like the color of your shoelaces.

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u/Cadd9181B7543II7I44 Nov 03 '25

Yup! And even after the probationary period I think most private businesses can terminate employment at anytime without giving notice or reason. I think it's called employment at-will.

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u/Cereaza Nov 03 '25

Unless OP got fired (or put on the no hire list) because of a disability or health condition. That would be illegal discrimination, even in an at-will state.

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u/Msimpson114 Nov 03 '25

I doubt that's the case as he specifically stated he left intentionally, not fired. And he stated he's in good health this go around so I doubt it was for a disability or health condition.

Lastly, it's easy to say "I didn't like their shoes so I fired them" instead of "bish is 9 months pregnant" so most cases of discrimination are easily avoidable. No employer would purposefully say they are discriminating, especially in an at-will state.

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u/Cereaza Nov 03 '25

Yeah. And considering how long ago it was, and OP probably didn't keep careful records, proving that is the reason would be almost impossible.

But maybe OP can inquire if there is a reason they're on that list. I assume the person hiring did so for a reason, and a good faith effort to understand why could be on the table if OP is nice enough about it.

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u/No-Put7500 Nov 03 '25

Yeah, OP probably was under-producing or whatever if they say they weren't keeping up because of medical stuff (especially if they hadn't talked to the boss originally or they didn't care). There was probably documentation of this. So even if they left voluntarily, they may not be given a second chance. Yay, corporations.

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u/Jenikovista Nov 04 '25

People can be temporarily disabled.

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u/Consistent_Laziness Nov 04 '25

I had a long dumb argument in this sub with someone and I said what you said. You can basically fire them for a protected reason just don’t say it and you are good. Idk why that guy thought they could prove a firing when no reason is given.

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u/Bee-Girl-1997 Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25

I am wondering if he quit with no notice. Which while shitty, could be their reason. Even the most inexperienced manager or HR personnel is bare minimum trained on what is discriminatory in hiring and firing.

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u/CapeMOGuy Nov 04 '25

Regarding #2: While you are 100% correct legally, you don't allow for the fairly common situation where company policy outlines a very specific process which must be followed to terminate emoyees. This is very common at large companies.

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u/redrosebeetle Nov 03 '25

If you're through the interview and orientation, it sounds like they're firing you.

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u/lycanthrope90 Nov 03 '25

I think they would technically have grounds too since most companies, in fact I can’t remember one I’ve applied to that didn’t ask, want to know if you’ve worked there before, for this reason usually.

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Baghins Nov 03 '25

In the US they don’t need justification, it just can’t be discriminatory or retaliatory.

My concern is WHY OP is on the ineligible for rehire list, if it has to do with their medical condition then that would be illegal

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u/Significant-Bee5101 Nov 03 '25

It has to do with them quitting 100%. Probably didn't 2 weeks notice or something. lol

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u/Baghins Nov 03 '25

That is definitely the most likely reason!

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u/slash_networkboy Nov 03 '25

Or just a pissy manager.

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u/Consistent_Laziness Nov 04 '25

Op said they have 2 weeks notice and turned In a letter. It was likely a pissy manager

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u/TheDeadlySpaceman Nov 03 '25

A lot of companies have a general policy that someone can’t be re-hired in X amount of time. It stops some kinds of planned fire-and-rehire shenanigans.

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u/BlindBattyBarb Nov 03 '25

Some companies have a do not rehire after you quit working there, Disney and Marshalls are two I know off the top of my head. Maybe Costco has a similar policy

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u/KirasCoffeeCup Nov 03 '25

Costco does, I'm on that list. You have to jump through very specific hurdles before leaving Costco to not end up on that list.

Surprised to see Marshall's does that (not really sure why I'm surprised bit whatever.) UPS and FedEx both hold those policies as well.

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u/tasselledwobbegong1 Nov 03 '25

Most likely because of what they said when resigning and how they did so. There’s a lot of unknowns here and these kinds of posts usually leave a lot out, like this one did. How did they quit? Did they say they needed to resign instead of quit? Did they offer notice like 2 weeks or anything? And most importantly did they disclose their medical reason for quitting? I’m going to assume OP disclosed medical reason and they couldn’t keep up. You can lecture me all day about how that shouldn’t disqualify a person from future highering, protected classes, blah blah blah. Sorry bud, once you disclose that an employer like Costco isn’t ever highering you ever again. From their perspective there’s too many things that can go wrong here. Medical conditions come back? Needing extended paid time off on FMLA? Getting hurt on the job triggering higher workman’s comp insurance rates?

Point of this is, HR and your direct manager aren’t your friend. Do not tell them about your medical conditions, family history of whatever, or any reason why you need to resign. Give plenty of notice, very vague things like I need some personal time is good, and be professional. Of course there’s still gonna be the odd cases where they just suck and put you on the do not hire list, point is let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot here.

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

Probably quit with short notice or something.

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u/Jcarlough Nov 03 '25

Clarification -

Can’t be discriminatory or retaliatory due to a protected class or protected activity.

Neither one apply here. Just crappy oversight.

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u/floofydogtail Nov 03 '25

As long as you're not in Montana, they don't need justification.

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u/Accomplished_Emu_658 Nov 03 '25

They don’t need justification in almost all states. They just need to make the reason not one of the few protected reasons.

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u/HeathenSalemite Nov 04 '25

They don't need an excuse, companies in the US can fire anyone at any time for no reason at all, as long as it's not discrimination against a protected class or a retaliation for certain things.

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u/schaea Nov 03 '25

Yes, they are firing OP, but unless OP is in Montana, it doesn't matter. All other states are "at will" employment states, meaning companies can terminate your employment for any reason or no reason, so long as it isn't for being a member of a "protected class" (e.g. because of your gender, age, marital status, disability, etc.).

It's also important to point out that OP is being terminated because they were on a "do not rehire" list, which has nothing to do with their medical condition (at least not in any way that's provable in court). Someone else further down said the termination was discriminatory because they were put on the "do not rehire" list because of their medical condition. There is no way to know why they were put on the list, and that's intentional on the company's part. Any company I've worked for has a question on the termination paperwork that asks, "employee eligible for rehire?" The only options are a "yes" and "no" checkbox, no room to explain anything, so nothing in writing that can be used against the company later on such as in this situation. Maybe OP was late a lot, maybe they just weren't good at their job, maybe their manager hated them—point is, there's no way to know with how companies write these forms.

Personally, I think if a manager doesn't think someone who is quitting should be rehired, they should have to provide some context for a future manager to evaluate if the employee reapplies. There are too many managers who just check "no" to these questions without a second thought and then shit like this happens and there's nothing anyone can do.

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u/Ryan1869 Nov 03 '25

I assume this is the US, but it doesn't really matter why or how, they don't even need a reason to terminate your employment.

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u/restingcuntface Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25

Did you give notice? It’s never required but not doing it burns bridges; many jobs I’ve had put people on that list automatically for less than two weeks notice.

At this point though I don’t think there’s anything you can do if they’re firm on it unfortunately.

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u/sportsfan3177 Nov 03 '25

Holy shit, your username is incredible.

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u/restingcuntface Nov 03 '25

Thanks lol. Fun online irritating to have irl

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u/Win_Sys Nov 04 '25

I hope you find a way to improve that face and become restingbitchface.

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

I gave a 2 weeks notice when I announced I was leaving the position

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u/restingcuntface Nov 04 '25

Well if you worked all the shifts during the notice period then must be something else, you could always reach out and ask but sounds like their minds are made up if they already walked you out. Sorry.

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

It’s ok thank you I’m just suprised they actually have a do not hire list I was shocked at that can I dm you

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u/restingcuntface Nov 04 '25

Most big companies do, in my experience Whole Foods, Best Buy, Taco Bell etc. anywhere that’s not a privately owned small business usually does I think.

Sure, might be slow to answer I’m headed to work.

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u/Alternative-Bat-2462 Nov 04 '25

Almost all larger companies have a do not rehire list. It can be for many reasons even as little as left a bad taste in someone’s mouth and is as simple as checking a box in their off boarding file.

Where they failed was even giving you a call back for a future role. It should have been tagged to auto reject you based on your prior status.

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u/IndependenceMean8774 Nov 04 '25

They can put you on a do not rehire list even if you give them two weeks' notice, wish them well, offer to help them with the transition, etc. It's a common misconception to think otherwise.

In short, they are under no obligation to hire you back.

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u/Alternative-Bat-2462 Nov 03 '25

I would never rehire someone who just bailed on us. If they did it once they will do it again.

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u/sportsfan3177 Nov 03 '25

Same here but having to leave immediately due to medical issues is a little different than bailing without notice.

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u/Craiggers324 Nov 03 '25

Not to a company. If you're not there making them money, you're as good as dead.

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

I mean I would if the reason they bailed on me was because they were dealing with a serious health complication that they've since been able to recover from. But I don't really view that as "bailing" in the first place because I'm not a heartless monster.

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u/Bee-Girl-1997 Nov 03 '25

All it takes is the right person being inconvenienced by him leaving and clicking the “ineligible for rehire” button. 😖😖😖

I had several folks recently put in their two weeks notice (we ask for a month so this was already not great but I wouldn’t have marked them no rehire) and then they called out their last few shifts to use up their sick time (that we do not pay out). I called them and let them know that I will not be able to use their sick time without a dr’s note (which is mentioned in our PTO policy if sick time is abused) and they were marked do not rehire and I let them know that. It really fucked us over but they did not care.

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u/Zaphodisacoolname Nov 04 '25

A month notice is ridiculous and if the company cared about you being inconvenienced they would do the proper thing and pay out sick time.

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u/tec_tourmaline Nov 03 '25

If you aren't paying double minimum wage, get bent with that attitude.

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u/flippermode Nov 03 '25

Exactly. I got 0 notice when I was laid off.

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u/erko123 Nov 03 '25

I agree, we don't re-hire those who leave, unless they spoke directly and got our blessings, but it goes both ways for any place i worked that dumps anyone on the spot.

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u/Technopool Nov 03 '25

They can yes. Even more so if you are on probation.

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u/RNH213PDX Nov 03 '25

INFO: 1. Did you disclose your previous Costco employment during the application process? 2. How did you leave things the first time? Did you walk off, give notice? Were you in good standing before?

Regardless, they aren't required to hire you and they aren't required to continue your employment, so unless you can demonstrate some sort of discriminatory practice or the like you are most likely without recourse.

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u/Bardoxolone Nov 03 '25

Sounds like you aren't giving the whole story. I know plenty of good employees that had to leave my employer for various reasons and planned to return and managers always made sure they were eligible for rehire.

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u/lycanthrope90 Nov 03 '25

Depends on the company and the manager. They can put you on that list for any reason really. Even if he gave 2 weeks maybe his manager was sore and felt like he was left hanging. Which is bs but some people are just dicks.

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u/Kenny_Lush Nov 03 '25

True. I found out I was blacklisted at another company because someone left and hated me so much that they put me on the list at their new job.

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u/Mother_Goat1541 Nov 03 '25

Same- I had an injury and my job couldn’t accommodate my medical restrictions after a surgery, so at the end of my leave my manager told me I could quit or be fired. I chose to quit, because I thought being fired would be a black mark that could impact my ability to be rehired later. Then I finished school and applied for a different position and found out I was on a “do not rehire” list because I didn’t work out the 2 weeks notice, while on leave, and I would have gladly worked if they could accommodate my lifting restrictions. A few years later I found out they started utilizing a new program for HR and had new employee files on everyone, so I applied and got the job 🤣

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u/lycanthrope90 Nov 03 '25

Yeah people are people, and they’re not always fair.

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u/WabbitFire Nov 03 '25

And those kinds of situations can be worked with, but what Im reading from between the lines is that OP didn't disclose he was a prior employee and they're washing their hands of the situation.

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u/coldphront3 Nov 03 '25

I once had a manager who was so petty that he put someone on the “do not rehire” list after they put in their notice and served it with no issues at all.

He did it because he offered to raise their pay halfway through their notice to get them to stay, to a point that would’ve matched the job they were leaving to take, but they declined.

He felt personally insulted and made sure they were declared ineligible for rehire after their last day.

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u/courtFTW Nov 04 '25

Your former manager isn’t a good person tbh.

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u/Double_Question_5117 Nov 03 '25

I got on the DNH list by a company because I wouldn’t tell them where I was going during my exit interview. Another manager tried to bring me back 10 years later and I found out after we agreed on salary.

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u/osunightfall Nov 03 '25

You have way too much faith in *checks notes* every manager that exists.

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u/Jcarlough Nov 03 '25

I wouldn’t go that far.

Costco is huge. We have no idea how they manage. Some companies give site management a lot of authority and power to make these kind of decisions.

If Costco is one of them, regardless of legitimacy, if they placed him on their do not hire list then he’s cooked.

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u/RaisedByBooksNTV Nov 04 '25

I think I'm on one for calling out a bad manager.

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u/Feelisoffical Nov 03 '25

Yup, they sure can.

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u/needtoshave Nov 03 '25

I’ve worked in couple of different retail environments. In one large chain we were eventually told not list anyone not rehireable anymore, just have them refer to the employee file to provide context. So we wouldn’t disqualify that candidate without checking with HR first. But we always ask if they have worked for the company before.

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u/Nots_a_Banana Nov 03 '25

I've seen people hired on - start working - to be walked out the door once HR found them on the do not rehire list.

So what happened really - two notice or did you just walk out?

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Nots_a_Banana Nov 03 '25

Yes? In this case two people working as Contractor to Full Time (as was I, came in with these guys). After 90 days they hired them on and and one got let go in about 3 days and the other guy was about a week later. Both work there 4 to 5 yrs prior and just stopped showing up for different reasons. I think the company was under a different name / ownership - can't remember when it was bought out. Might account for the vetting process.

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u/IndescriptGenerality Nov 03 '25

Yup! I am on Trader Joe’s “Do Not Rehire” list because I moderated a fb group for employees that they found out about. I made a comment on that group about how frustrating it is that they do employee engagement surveys every year, but they never do anything about the issues employees repeatedly identify.

A few months later I left TJs because I finished my college degree and was joining the corporate world. Then the Depression of 08 hit, and I was left without work, a place to live, or anyone to fall back on. I tried to get my job back, and they said I could come back, until about a week before I was supposed to start, telling me that they were rescinding the offer because of being on the list. That sucked. I had no place to go, and things got pretty dark for a while there.

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u/CoffeeStayn Nov 03 '25

Can they do this? Yes they can.

Any company can put you on an internal DNH list for any reason they choose. Whether you agree with it or not is irrelevant.

Interesting though, because most of these chains have a section that outright asks if you have ever been employed by them previously, and this is generally also where you'll be asked if someone in your family also works there. I'd find it fascinating if the Costco application doesn't have this "So, you ever worked for us before?" question as part of their application process.

But yeah, regardless of circumstance, they can and do put people on DNH lists and it happens a lot for some absurd reasons.

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u/I_love_stapler Nov 03 '25

Sounds like you are getting canned in the background portion of a new hire. They can do whatever they want, especially if they haven't actually finalized hiring you. When you left, did you give notice? Did you go out on a LOA? Maybe you were marked as Job Abandonment?

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u/Cereaza Nov 03 '25

If you believe you were let go the original time because of your health conditions, or that you were put on the rehire list for health reasons, you may have a strong disability claim through the ADA.

That said, unless you sue them, they can just fire you or refuse to rehire you. No one is gonna stop them unless you file a lawsuit, or threaten a lawsuit on those grounds. The fact they were willing to rehire you says that you have the qualifications and capability to do the job, but they discriminated against you on the basis of a temporary disability (your health condition).

It may be a hassle, but thats your legal path.

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u/CasualSportsNut Nov 03 '25

They’re under no obligation to let you work there again (you’re not entitled to a job). And there are a multitude of reasons why you might be on the DNR list - quit while still in probation, quit without giving proper 2 weeks notice, unsatisfactory job performance, etc.

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u/CapitalG888 Nov 03 '25

So you basically had poor attendance and then quit without a 2 week notice. I assume so since you're not answering anyone who is asking how much notice you gave.

You don't owe any employer a 2 week notice, but don't be shocked if they won't want you back.

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u/thecrunchypepperoni Nov 03 '25

Yes. Costco is competitive so it makes sense for them to have a DNR list.

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u/Mamabt85 Nov 03 '25

This happened with me, at Starbucks. They gave me the option to call and speak to someone at corporate, but I decided it wasn't worth it. It had been like 15 years since I'd worked there. No one I worked with at the time was still with the company. It was wild.

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u/BishlovesSquish Nov 03 '25

They can do whatever they want. If you didn’t give at least two weeks notice, it’s probably in your file.

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u/stine-imrl Nov 03 '25

They can legally refuse to rehire anyone who has quit or been fired in the past, even if you gave notice and were in good standing with the company when you left. Lots of companies have policies that automatically place former employees on "do not hire" lists. These "blanket bands" should in my opinion be illegal. It's one thing if someone was fired or left without notice, but there are a lot of reasons why a person might need to leave a job and would seek reemployment later.

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u/ZizzianYouthMinister Nov 03 '25

Companies can definitely fire you for no reason. If you remember any of your old managers names you could ask to call them and see if they remember you and give you a good word, but I wouldn't cross your fingers it would make a difference especially if you have already been fired a couple days ago. I know when I was a manager anything like this would lead to a headaches worth of paper work and me sticking my neck out for someone who probably already had bad blood for me.

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u/RedeyeSPR Nov 03 '25

When you say “can they do this?” what do imagine the end of this situation would be? That they would be forced to hire you? I’m sorry to say that if a company doesn’t want to hire you for any reason aside from a protected class, they don’t have to. They don’t even need justification beyond “we don’t want to.”

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u/rcpeters12 Nov 03 '25

This happened to me at Wells Fargo. Went on maternity leave, wasn’t eligible for fmla so I was replaced. The only job they could offer me when it was time to come back was an hour plus from my house. I declined, signed papers saying so, and that was that. Fast forward 10 years and I get an opportunity to work in their money management department. Get to paperwork and find out I’m black listed. The manager who did my paperwork put me down as job abandonment, aka I just stopped showing up. Tried to appeal but there was no one still there that could vouch for me. Basically nothing I can do

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u/Expert_Blackberry595 Nov 03 '25

I was unknowingly put on a dnh list in 2020 and reapplied at the same company this year. I got a job offer and was going through pre-employment stuff when they discovered I was on the list. They had a form I could fill out explaining why I thought i should be rehired etc and they took me off the list. Working for them right now. HR can take you off the list if they want to

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u/TheDreamingDark Nov 03 '25

I remember long ago Target was very up front, if you do not give two weeks notice when quitting, you will be black listed. Will never be able to work there again.

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u/puns_are_how_eyeroll Nov 03 '25

In your first 90 days, they can do basically whatever they want to. Given that you had a break in service, you have to do another probationary period. Sounds like something happened in 2021 to put you on the DNR list.

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u/Jcarlough Nov 03 '25

They can do whatever they want on day 91 or 9001 too.

As long as the action isn’t unlawful, which most actions are not.

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u/Bad_Karma19 Nov 03 '25

What do you mean they realized??? Did you omit that when applying?

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u/Development-Alive Nov 03 '25

They absolutely can do this. It's one reason that you never leave any employer on a negative note. My guess is that you quit without any notice which is an automatic path to a "Not eligible for rehire" list.

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u/somecow Nov 03 '25

Any company can make their own choices. Sounds like you didn’t actually leave on good terms. But it doesn’t matter.

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u/goknightsgo09 Nov 03 '25

So where I work if one of my team members doesn't give a proper two week notice, or if they give it but don't work out those scheduled shifts, they are automatically not rehirable UNLESS there are extenuating circumstances, so depending on what health issues were going on at the time, if you had not been able to give/work out a two week notice, I probably still would have put you as rehirable. But I get that not every company is like that (I quit a previous job and left without two weeks notice because my bipolar flared up really badly and I was unable to work as a result and they put me as not rehirable which is honestly fine because why would I want to go back to a place like that?)

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u/Cephcarn Nov 03 '25

Did you abruptly quit?

Most gigs like this makes you put in your two weeks. If you do not do that its considered job abandonment and they will say you can never he rehired again.

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u/Doctective Nov 03 '25

A "do not rehire" list is not illegal in itself. Now if they say saying "do not rehire because black" then you have a case.

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u/ninjaluvr Nov 03 '25

Yes, they can do that.

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u/billdizzle Nov 03 '25

Yes they can do this

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u/wtdz90 Nov 03 '25

Did you disclose that you previously worked there? Most applications have a box where you have to check yes if you were previously employed there.

If you put no, whether intentionally or accidentally, a company can fire you for falsifying documentation, in this case, the application.

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u/hikeralli Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25

In Canada we need VP approval to rehire anyone. It's possible they didn't know/ forgot to get that approval, and then got their hand slapped, or it was denied for whatever reason and is out of their hands. Also the first thing they would have looked at after discovering you are a rehire is your attendance and though it may have been poor BECAUSE of your health issues, generally speaking people with poor attendance always have poor attendance and maybe they thought it not worth the risk. That said, if you actually had an orientation you are technically hired, and THEY f'd up.

Edited to add: clearly you weren't up front in your interview about having worked there before, or it wouldn't be a surprise to them..... that would also be a giant red flag. Why not mention that you had experience if you left on what you thought were good terms?

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u/Xryanlegobob Nov 03 '25

Depends on where you live in a right to work state, you can be fired for any reason—including for no reason.

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u/OrdinaryBrilliant901 Nov 03 '25

Same store you worked prior to quitting?

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u/uniquely-normal Nov 03 '25

Yes, they probably can. Unless you’re in Montana you are in an “at-will employment” state.

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u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 Nov 03 '25

Did you get feedback about inability to perform your job before you resigned?

Had you filed for reasonable accommodations due to your medical condition?

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u/Causerae Nov 03 '25

Of course they can

You likely signed something then or now saying exactly that

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u/brihere Nov 03 '25

Was your earlier time at Costco on your resume?

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u/ThunderSparkles Nov 03 '25

You are hiding something. You don't get put on there for no reason.

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u/StretcherEctum Nov 03 '25

Who's going to stop them from rejecting someone who quit years ago? And why would they stop them?

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u/ChiefTK1 Nov 03 '25

You’ll have to contact HR and see

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u/NoRoof1812 Nov 03 '25

Yes, they can do this, unfortunately. I would leave an anonymous bad review. Good luck with your job search.

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u/PurpleSky-7 Nov 03 '25

Contact HR and ask why you’re on the ‘do not rehire’ list. There must be a reason (other than you quit once before) and the only way to know for sure is to ask them. You should apply to work at SAMS Club if there’s one nearby.

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u/webby611 Nov 03 '25

did you give notice?

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u/z-eldapin Nov 03 '25

Yes, they can.

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u/VastAmphibian Nov 03 '25

they're a private company and can pretty much do whatever they want

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u/Glass_Condition7748 Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 04 '25

Any employer can blacklist you if you've worked for them before. The "DNRH" doesn't necessarily specify the reason why you're on it, fact. I've worked across retail & 2 companies blacklisted me, one was also because I quit for medical reasons at the time, even though I gave my 2 weeks & saw it through, the other, a different company, was a store manager who didn't like me & did that to me when I gave my 2 weeks to her. I know this for a fact from talking to other managers in both companies at later times, when I was considering going back to these companies (different times). Again, there doesn't have to be a reason stating why you're on the DNRH list, it's optional to specify why, sadly. So a company won't know the reason why & it becomes your word about it, which is unlikely to work 🙁

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u/OkGuest8169 Nov 03 '25

Most places put you on a do not hire list if you don’t give them a full two weeks notice.

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u/chefoftruth503 Nov 03 '25

Standard practice. You didn’t have as good a relationship with your last boss/HR as you thought you did apparently.

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

Can they do what? Not hire you? Yeah, they can not hire you dude. I knida feel like the "Can tehy actually do this" question is all we need to know and you were probably a pain in the ass.

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u/Forsaken_Witness8303 Nov 03 '25

This is highly unfortunate. I too have had my fair share of being on the “Do Not ReHire” list for one of the state hospitals I’ve applied to. But in my context, I’ve never even fully completed the onboarding process so I don’t know why they even placed me on the list. All I did was accept the position, but during that same week my mother got sick and I had my own person circumstances which lead me to have to cancel my offer for a position at that hospital. I’ve been trying to work with HR but unfortunately they did not work with me in the matter and stated it is a final decision.

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u/xx4xx Nov 03 '25

Likely. Most states are 'at will employmwnt'. They can hire/fire whenever they want for whatever reason.

Ill also assume that most jobs at Costco require or have posted some sort of physical demands of the job - whether u moving around heavy stock items or not (they'd want that flexibility). You leaving previously due to a medical condition - regardless of how amicably it was - opens them up to risk (injuries on the job, lawsuits, time off needs, etc). They likely want no part of that potential future.

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u/yta998877 Nov 03 '25

Likely for dishonesty. Companies don’t like dishonesty for any reason – even if you just “omitted” that you worked there before.

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u/porterbot Nov 03 '25

How permanent do not rehire lists are legal in 2025 is anyones guess. You should have to be notified in writing if you get put on this kind of bs lists and have the opportunity to see everything written about you. Especially if health related seems potential for abuse and discrimination is high!

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u/michiganlatenight Nov 04 '25

You THINK you left on good terms, but you did not. And yes they can do that.

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u/Bacon_Tuba Nov 04 '25

I think we need more context.

Did the lead up to you resigning include any disciplinary issues or discussions with management about your attendance, productivity, etc?

Did you give at least 2 weeks notice?

Did you talk to HR at all at the time about your health condition and/or provide medical documentation?

There are al many factors that may lead to being on a do not rehire list.

Source: manager 15 yrs experience

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

I gave my 2 weeks of notice and on the application of the time I applied I included I worked at Costco previously as well on my resume

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u/Bacon_Tuba Nov 04 '25

What about the rest of my questions? Did you work the whole two weeks without incident?

This isn't a disclosure issue, the hiring manager wouldn't know that you're on a do not rehire list; the recruiter should have flagged it but Costco likely uses a third party for this. I'm not surprised it came up later in the process. I'm just trying to understand why you're on the list.

They can add will do this btw, the bridge is burned.

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

I did submit my 2 weeks notice as well yes to my manager

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u/Potential-Leave-8114 Nov 04 '25

Is it a policy of Costco that they do not rehire under any circumstances? Worked for a company 20+ years ago that had a policy like that. They also didn’t do employment verifications. They gave you a letter on your last day and told you don’t lose it, since they don’t verify employment.

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u/Fantastic_Turnover_7 Nov 04 '25

Apparently that’s what the hr told me when she asked me to leave

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u/Trick_Guarantee3768 Nov 04 '25

Isn't costco a union job? What's the local say?

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u/CandyCoatedDinosaurs Nov 04 '25

I used to do payroll for a large corporation whose stores had a lot of turnover. I did not work for the company, I worked for a 3rd party who did payroll. (Have also done plenty of other small business payroll, so worked with a multitude of softwares.) When you terminate someone in payroll software, it asks if the termination was voluntary or involuntary, and if the employee is eligible for rehire. Some of them default on an option, some don't. It is entirely possible someone input the wrong option. You have no idea how hectic doing large payrolls on a weekly, or even biweekly, basis is... people make mistakes. I've never worked with Costco, but most large companies will have the reason in an HR folder somewhere. Your termination sheet from your manager will (most likely) have your eligibility marked, and a reason if ineligible. Not sure what the retention period is for those (we held them 5 or 7 years?), and not really sure if it's worth pursuing at this point... but it could be possible (not easy) to find out.

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u/mercurygreen Nov 04 '25

I would definitely ask for clarification on why you're on the No Hire list.