I recently sent a resume and cover letter in response to an ad for an administrative assistant. The next day I received an e-mail from the potential employer with a downloadable job application for me to complete and return. One of the questions on the application is "May we contact your present employer?". OK, standard question. But then right beside it is "If no, why?" I don't want my current employer to know that I am looking for another job. How should I answer the "why" question without saying my current company totally blows??? Thanks!
2006-10-26 07:16:42 · 15 answers · asked by hazystargazer 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I say 'no' to that question. It's none of anyone's business 'why'.
I have been asked, during the interview, why I did not complete that portion of the app. I then tell the interviewer that my employer has terminated people for actively seeking employment elsewhere.
That usually satisfies 'em.
2006-10-26 07:22:20 · answer #1 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will seem immature if you say your current company blows.
Just explain how you are not challenged there or what the problem is. Put that they can contact your current employer. If your current employer says that you "blow" that is not good. The deal goes both ways. Try to have a larger perspective as far as what is not working for you at your job besides "it sucks". Are you not permitted to make decisons? Do you need day care or more flexible work hours? ARe you not allowed breaks? Is the work boring or routine? Is there a lack of training? Specifically tell what the problems are and say you don't want to face retaliation in case they find out you are looking (for the reason why they cannot contact).
2006-10-26 07:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sufi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a trick question - its loaded.
What is the question behind the question? Ask yourself that.
They have a job in mind for you. They are evaluating how well you will fit that job. What part of the job description, both what they say in writing and what you find out when you work there, is the question answering about the fit?
If we treat her like crap, will she find a different job and vanish?
Is she about to abandon an employer without giving notice?
The law very specifically limits what they can and cannot ask you or your employer. There are not allowed to ask why you dont work there, or whether or not you were a great employee. The single thing they can ask with or without your permission is whether you worked there, and what the dates were.
Maybe the are asking: does she know the law well enough, or can we get tacit permission from her to ask questions of her boss that would otherwise be illegal to ask in making our determination?
You may or may not be interested in the job, but I would hear a question like that and it would say danger. It would set off alarms in me.
Will they treat you like crap? Are they afraid that you will suddenly quit? Are they trying to break the law with your boss?
I would write a letter saying that I took the application seriously, and seriously thought about what they were really trying to understand about me in each question, and that question creeped me out. What kind of a company, knowing the law, asks a question like that? I would say, thank you but I am no longer interested in that position.
If they arent paying you twice the average market rate for your position in wages, then they better be paying one half in money and the other in treating you like a human being, with respect. Your job is to work for them, and benefit their company with your services, but that doesnt make you not a human being, or even not a human being who is dignified. If you treat your bosses and your peers with respect, you should get it right back. If you find a job where you get that, keep it. If you ever become a boss, of course you cant be a friend, but you can treat the people who work for you with respect and integrity. You will know how much time goes into creating a "downloadable application" and you wont put creepy questions in them.
2006-10-26 07:36:05 · answer #3 · answered by Curly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask the prospective employer not to contact your current job unless an offer is pending. Most people will be understanding to this request. If they need verification of your current job, then submit a copy of a recent paycheck as proof of employment.
2006-10-26 07:22:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be honest, where it asks why simply state your current employer does not know you are seeking other employment. You don't have to say anything else. Keep answers as simple as possible.
2006-10-26 07:21:50 · answer #5 · answered by smartypants909 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is the best policy. No need to say your job blows but definitely be honest that your current boss is not aware that you are "exploring other employment options".
2006-10-26 07:24:37 · answer #6 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inform the new employer that you are still employed and are afraid if they find out you are looking that there may be some back-lashing toward you.
2006-10-26 07:27:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good answer is "My job search is confidential." meaning you don't want your current company to know you're looking.
By the way - never say anything bad about your current job/boss/company in an interview.
Good luck - hope you get it!
2006-10-26 07:20:26 · answer #8 · answered by Tiger by the Tail 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinon few jobs call your past employer they just want you to put down yes to see if your hiding anything. I would say yes.
2006-10-26 07:26:25 · answer #9 · answered by Rita 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why is "I am looking to find employment where's there room for advancement and if you contact them I'll be asked to resign".
2006-10-26 07:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋