May we contact your previous employer?

[pink_sugar]

So, for the longest time, I thought it looked back to check "No" for this question, but a few people have told me they have done it anytime they are currently employed looking for other work. Usually this option is selected for current employers. I wasn't sure if it looked bad, but I just don't want by boss to know I am looking for other work. He's one of those types that may let you go prematurely if he knew you were looking, not necessarily that he'd give me a bad reference or anything. I just think it's a bit awkward if your current employer knows you're looking for another job.

[Fugu]

So, for the longest time, I thought it looked back to check "No" for this question, but a few people have told me they have done it anytime they are currently employed looking for other work. Usually this option is selected for current employers. I wasn't sure if it looked bad, but I just don't want by boss to know I am looking for other work. He's one of those types that may let you go prematurely if he knew you were looking, not necessarily that he'd give me a bad reference or anything. I just think it's a bit awkward if your current employer knows you're looking for another job.

 

I usually indicate somewhere that it's okay only under certain circumstances. Legally, once you check 'yes', they're free to contact the employer, as they have your permission. IN reality, though, most places will respect a request not to contact an employer except when you're a serious candidate for the position. It's a risk you take, I guess, but more often than not, they'll probably honor your reasonable requests not to contact them unless an offer has been made and just need to verify a few things.

[somedude81]

IMO it's only a good idea to check that box when you've already left a company, and on good terms.

 

For example you work at job where everybody likes you but for some reason you're going to move out of the area so you quit. That would be a great time to have that box checked.

 

It may also work if you are doing a temp or contractor position. When your assignment ends, your supervisor can be a valuable reference.

[Esoteric Elf]

So, for the longest time, I thought it looked back to check "No" for this question, but a few people have told me they have done it anytime they are currently employed looking for other work. Usually this option is selected for current employers. I wasn't sure if it looked bad, but I just don't want by boss to know I am looking for other work. He's one of those types that may let you go prematurely if he knew you were looking, not necessarily that he'd give me a bad reference or anything. I just think it's a bit awkward if your current employer knows you're looking for another job.

Check all boxes excluding any current employer(s). By not checking the boxes, you are in effect communicating that the past employers either knew too little of you to comment on your performance sufficiently or that they could not recommend you in a professional setting, both of which are undesirable. Most employers, especially in larger companies filling non-top tier positions, will only contact past employers for employment verification, including dates employed and position, maybe performance.

[pink_sugar]

They only had the box for current employer....not past.

[CarrieT]

Technically, if you are currently employed and looking for a new job, your current job is not your "previous employer" so they shouldn't be contacting your current employer unless you have given permission.

 

I would clarify that fact during the interview process.

[MsSmurf]

Usually there is a space to explain "why or why not" when asked if your current employer can be used for a reference. I always check "no" and state that the company policy is not to provide references. That isn't always true, but it is a believable reason because many companies do have that policy.

[pink_sugar]

Yeah they didn't have any explanation fields, but I was otherwise thinking of putting that I prefer my employer not know I am seeking other work. I think that's reasonable. I think it's a bit awkward unless you're close with your boss to know you're looking for other work. Some bosses may see it as an opportunity to let you go early.

[Nyla]

Only a stupid employer would ask to speak with your current employer. I mean really what sense does that make?

 

This. I once had an interview with a woman and she contacted the company I was still employed at. Made everything very awkward and uncomfortable for me, especially since I did not give authorization. Moron.

[MsSmurf]

Yeah they didn't have any explanation fields, but I was otherwise thinking of putting that I prefer my employer not know I am seeking other work. I think that's reasonable. I think it's a bit awkward unless you're close with your boss to know you're looking for other work. Some bosses may see it as an opportunity to let you go early.

 

This is exactly why I don't say anything. Even if they've told me they'll be laying me off, I still don't tell them I'm looking. I might as well earn every penny I can while I can and then jump ship when I'm ready.

[pink_sugar]

I really think the only way someone should get another job if already working is from networking. To me it's so dumb to try and go on interviews when you already have a job

 

Why is that?

[ON MY OWN]

Usually there is a space to explain "why or why not" when asked if your current employer can be used for a reference. I always check "no" and state that the company policy is not to provide references. That isn't always true, but it is a believable reason because many companies do have that policy.

 

I never heard of this. Some companies will not give you a reference? Is it just they will verify dates of employment only?

[anne1707]

I really think the only way someone should get another job if already working is from networking. To me it's so dumb to try and go on interviews when you already have a job

 

I'm referring to people over 35 who have career jobs

 

You obviously don't interview people above a certain level of seniority. Interviews do count, not just networking.

[HokeyReligions]

I'm referring to people over 35 who have career jobs

 

I'm well over 35 and looking for a new job. Even if you network you still have to interview. And there is always paperwork. IMHO the only answer is to "know your audience" meaning your current employer.

[TheGuard13]

From a friend in HR, it depends on the situation. If they have doubts about your makeup or your performance at all, this may cause them to assume that you are hiding something. Whenever people refuse to answer something or submit to some kind of further analysis, a lot of employers tend to assume the worst.

[anne1707]

I know many people who got jobs without interviewing because of their strong network. And if did have a interview it was after hours at a restaurant

 

And that's how it should be over 35.

 

Interviews are not about whether you can do the job. They are about you, the individual, and whether you are the right "fit" for the organisation. The more senior the position, the more important that gets.

 

Take that from someone who is over 35.

[MsSmurf]

I never heard of this. Some companies will not give you a reference? Is it just they will verify dates of employment only?

 

I have worked for companies that have made it a company policy to never provide references for anyone, but they will however verify your dates of employment, salary history, and job title. Their reasoning is usually because the person giving the reference said something defamatory or discriminative or otherwise inappropriate about the past employee and that past employee sued and won. Lawsuits are expensive and time consuming so some employers have decided to not take the chance and just say no to references.

 

I have also worked for companies where it is their policy to only provide references for past employees and not current employees. I was not given a clear reason as to why this would be, but my guess is that they would like to try to retain current employees and giving them references just helps them leave.

[El Brujo]

I have worked for companies that have made it a company policy to never provide references for anyone, but they will however verify your dates of employment, salary history, and job title. Their reasoning is usually because the person giving the reference said something defamatory or discriminative or otherwise inappropriate about the past employee and that past employee sued and won. Lawsuits are expensive and time consuming so some employers have decided to not take the chance and just say no to references.

 

I have also worked for companies where it is their policy to only provide references for past employees and not current employees. I was not given a clear reason as to why this would be, but my guess is that they would like to try to retain current employees and giving them references just helps them leave.

 

^^^Bolded above.^^^

 

Also, I can tell you from experience that if you leave a job working for someone else and become your own boss, the people at city hall who give you your business license won't give a hoot in hell about what job you just quit. The city will just want its taxes.