Meta, Rehire Blacklists, and the Quiet Power of HR

In this episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. dig into a controversial practice making headlines: Meta’s “Do Not Rehire” lists—and the silent consequences they carry for careers. What happens when a top performer is quietly marked as ineligible for rehire—without explanation, without appeal, and with no way to challenge the label? Johnny and Bob unpack the complexities behind this increasingly common practice and explore: Why “Do Not Rehire” lists exist—and where they cross the line The difference between a security risk and a poor culture fit How HR professionals can challenge manager bias and escalate bad calls What candidates should do when flagged by a former employer—and how to take back the narrative Whether Meta’s reputation as an employer brand can withstand the growing pattern of culture-first exclusions This isn’t a theoretical issue. It’s real, and it’s happening at scale. Whether you're in HR, hiring leadership, or navigating your own job search—this episode brings clarity, perspective, and practical advice to one of the most ethically gray areas in the modern workplace.