Can My Friend Take Legal Action Against a Company for Changing Their Hiring Decision?

One of my friends took a 3D modeling test at a company and was selected for a technical round of interviews. Subsequently, the technical round took place, and HR later came for a discussion. They discussed salary, the date of joining, etc. Suddenly, the next day, HR sent a message on WhatsApp saying she was rejected. When asked about the reason, HR replied that her background verification had failed. Since there was no false information in her CV or during her interview, my friend requested HR to specify the exact reason for the background verification failure. However, this time, HR stated that she was not selected because they found candidates whose salary demands were lower than hers. She is currently very frustrated. Are there any legal steps that can be taken against the HR or company for this?

In the scenario described, it seems there may be potential issues related to transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. In the Netherlands, specific labor laws and regulations govern recruitment practices to ensure fairness and non-discrimination. Here are some practical steps your friend could consider if she believes she has been treated unfairly:

Explore Legal Options
- Your friend could consider seeking legal advice from a labor law attorney specializing in employment disputes in the Netherlands.
- The attorney can review the situation, assess the grounds for potential legal action, and advise on the best course of action based on Dutch labor laws.

Review Company Policies
- Your friend may want to review the company's policies on recruitment, background verification, and candidate selection to understand if there have been any violations.
- If the company has not followed its own policies or procedures, this could strengthen her case.

Document Everything
- It is crucial for your friend to document all communication with the company, including emails, messages, and any other relevant correspondence.
- Keeping a record of the entire recruitment process can provide valuable evidence if legal action is pursued.

File a Complaint
- If your friend believes she has been discriminated against or treated unfairly during the recruitment process, she can consider filing a formal complaint with relevant authorities in the Netherlands.
- The complaint should be detailed, outlining the specific instances of unfair treatment or discrimination.

Seek Mediation
- Before escalating the issue to legal proceedings, your friend may explore mediation as a way to resolve the dispute amicably.
- Mediation can be a cost-effective and efficient way to address conflicts without going to court.

Stay Informed
- Encourage your friend to stay informed about her rights as an employment candidate in the Netherlands.
- Being knowledgeable about labor laws and regulations can empower her to make informed decisions regarding her next steps.

Taking legal action against an employer should be considered carefully, and seeking legal advice is crucial to understand the options available and the likelihood of a successful outcome.