What do you do when a future employer will contact your past employer but they don't work there anymore?

Question

Like what happens if your manager moved or was fired? Do you just not list it on the application?

Answer 1

List it on your resume anyway, but you can put that the company is no longer in business (if that is truly the case). If it is only the manager that is no longer there, still list his/her name. Even though they are gone, someone there can verify that you worked at the company and that is mainly what the prospective employer will be looking for when they call.

Answer 2

You need to list it but the new employer won't get much of a reference. Most companies will only confirm the dates you worked for them and your salary anyway, not give personal details about your performance.

If you need that former manager to give a personal reference, you may need to track them down yourself and ask if they would be willing to receive a call about you.

My last three employers went bankrupt and all of the employees scattered to new jobs. I didn't really have any strong references because of this but it was never an issue. Many places don't even bother with reference checks anymore if you pass the background check.

Answer 3

You still list it on your application. If they don't work there anymore the company should have you on file anyways so the Human Resources (HR) should be able to look you up and answer the future employers questions from the file.

Answer 4

you have to list SOMETHING, especially if it's your most recent position. If the manager isn't there any more, say so on the app... and the prospective employer will just ask for someone in HR.