Do I have to list all of my previous employers on a job application?

Question

My last boss HATES ME!! Everything was fine until I went to interview for another job (a job I have been trying to get for like a year!). After that he tried everything he could to get me to quit. Made me stay late and then fuss at me about getting overtime. Made me do things that didn't even need to be done while everyone just sat around and talked, then fussed at me when I stopped for two seconds to get some water. After he realized I was not going to quit he said, "We have to let you go because the company is not making enough money right now to keep you." I know that was bull because I delivered $50,000 worth of merchandise to one customer the day before. Anyway... I know he will lie about me. Do I have to list him as a previous employer? If not, how do I explain the gap in employment? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

you should list him. It's up to your future employeer to decide if it's important or not. Which is worse? Listing him or not listing him and having your new employeer find out you lied on your application? A gap never looks good on an application.

Answer 2

I would list him otherwise there will be a gap in your employment. Also, previous employers are not allowed to tell a persepctive employer anything other than when you were hired in and when you left.

Yes, I know some will still give other details but, in the interview you also have to opportunity to tell your side of the story and most smart employers knows that not everyone gets along with everyone else. Personality conflicts and such happen and they will take that into consideration.

You got downsized you did not get fired for stealing or breaking some major rule.

Answer 3

It depends on how old you are I think. because if you leave some out then the prospective employer might wonder why there were gaps in your work history. then that could lead to the question as to why you didn't want to include that portion of your work history. I think five years is good enough if you only had a couple jobs and you were at them for awhile. but if you have a bunch of jobs that only last a couple months each then that might not look good either.

Answer 4

Even though ive never had to think about lying about past employers because ive never been employed before (im young so thats my excuse), i've always wondered why older people cant lie by simply not listing the potential problem past employer, and explaining on the application that during the "unemployed" time you were supporting yourself because your family was financially helping you, and/or or you were cutting lawns and other under the table style work. even have friends and acquantices you list as references lie and say "he did a fine job cleaning my yard/mowing/raking/etc"

Answer 5

I am in management and I interview people all the time. Put it like this, If I find that someone has lied on their application I throw it out immediately. Just be honest, a potential employer will respect your honesty.

Answer 6

You have to list it, you don't want to try and fool a possible employer. I interview many people on a weekly basis and I give them a chance to tell me why they left their previous position. If the new employer calls, by law they can only give your employment dates and if you are rehireable anyway

Answer 7

I would list him, but on most applications they ask if they can contact a previous employeer and you have the right to say no.

Include references so they don't necessarily have to call your last boss.

Answer 8

most employers often require the last 3 previous employers.....if you've had a bad experience with your last employer, u can discuss that while on your next interview,or u can ask for a recommendation from someone higher up in the organization !

Answer 9

i dont think you should make sure you have other refs good refs so there is no way they can't think you are not suited for them it all about selling most retail companys don't put all the info on the product they sell so why sould you just remember never lie on a application and why should you put a black mark on you application just because some fool could not see your value his los your dream company's gain see ya

Answer 10

List Him....i want to suggest you something.... you may believe this or not..... Before giving away your resume to your prospect job....blew it with a prayer, lift up the name of your former boss, to have a soft heart, then have faith in the Lord.... i am sure even they will verify to your former boss he will not ruin your application...