Yes, stating "I only knew him/her a short time" wouldn't run afoul. It's when you venture into something like "I only knew him a short time - he quit shortly after being hired. I don't have a high opinion of him"
You're allowed to have opinions and share them. The problem comes if your opinion can be argued to be based on a legally protected action/characteristic.
This is why many HR departments don't like their employees giving out references, which really sucks since "Yes, this person was employed during [DATES] and was not fired" is not super helpful.
You're allowed to have opinions and share them. The problem comes if your opinion can be argued to be based on a legally protected action/characteristic.
This is why many HR departments don't like their employees giving out references, which really sucks since "Yes, this person was employed during [DATES] and was not fired" is not super helpful.