I said I was still working for the company but I'm not - will they find out?

Question

A HUGE corporation called and they are interested in me. I told them that I was still working at my company, which I quit 4 months ago (the reason being is because I made a bad career move that I did not want to put on my CV); therefore, having to explain why I left for no good reason. Will they find out? Would they even call to see if I worked there? From what I understand, if you are presently working, they will not call your employer because they don't want to jeopardize your present working environment. Anything anyone?

Answer 1

Once you are hired they can call to verify your previous employment status. This could jepordize your new position. At your old employment you can tell them what information you want to give out and what you don't want them to give out, however, I do not believe they are legally bound to honor that. Also, your new position can ask for your most recent W2 to verify your most recent wages where they just might notice you are 4 months short of wages. I wouldn't do this in the future you instead need to come up with a set answer to this question when job hunting that does not reflect negatively on you. Work with a career counselor, check out some interviewing books or ask your friends to help you come up with a better way of answering questions regarding your current employment situation and why you left your most recent employer.

Answer 2

large companies generally perform background checks on new employees, including the verification of previous employment. it is not uncommon for them to call the present employer, although you sometimes get an option to opt out on the background check form, for confidentiality reasons.

if they find out at any point that you falsified employment information, you can be fired (or they can refuse to hire) - fair warning.