what should I do? Help?

Question

When I apply for new jobs and they ask "may we contact your employer?" what can I say? I don't want them to because of my work situation, but I also don't want to draw attention to it.

I know legally they can't say much, but it would be hard to prove and I think the assistant manager might have already sabotaged me once.

How many employers actually call the current/last employer???

Answer 1

Tell them that your current employer is not aware that you are seeking new employment, because you are simply looking around to see what your options are. Tell them you do not want to cause a problem if you decide to stay where you are. This is quite normal.

Then offer them alternative references (people whom you have known for more that three years, that you are not related to, who have knowledge of your work history and ethic) or a phone number and name of a previous employer before your current that they can contact.

Also, for an employer to give a negative reference that is pure conjecture-things you have not been written up for, but his opinion of you personally-is illegal. If you find this is true, you can sue.

Answer 2

If you are still employed there, just write on the application that you are still employed there and you don't want them contacting your current employer. Most of the time, they won't contact where you are currently working just because it is a little awkward if your current job doesn't know you are looking elsewhere.

By law, they are only allowed to say yes you worked there from such and such time to such and such date... but that is legally. They do go beyond that all the time. You could test them by calling and saying you are blah blah blah employer and you are wanting information on a previous employee. Record the phone call and see what they say. If they say everything legal, all good. But if not, you have a lawsuit on your hands and you can sue them for revealing illegal information.

They will contact previous employers if you tell them they can. If you tell them not to, they aren't too keen on hiring you. They probably won't look past your application. It will get set in the NO pile.

Answer 3

Actually most of them do.
It really depends on how you present yourself....
And what reason you give for leaving.
You can always say that you prefer not to talk about your previous employer, and just want to discuss your qualifications for the position.
But some interviewers are obsessed with it. And wont let it go until you answer them.
Some employers are also aware that some companies just have a high "turn over" of employees.
That works sometimes.

Answer 4

they dont do it... besides u can tell ur nu employer that ur having problems at ur actual work, u dont feel comfortable there and that ur looking for a serious place to work at. He'll like it