The "May we contact your present employer" option?

Question

What I want to know is, does checking "no" on this option reduce your chances of getting a job? One might not want their current employer to know that they are searching for another job (lest they be fired or face uncomfortable questions), but others I've spoken to feel that this is like telling your interviewer you have something to hide.

Is it safe to use this option, then, on applications?

Answer 1

If the question was on a questioaire I left it blank. If question was verbal I used the following answer.

Since I was self employed had to answer this question many times. My standard reply was this:

"Of course you may contact my present employer, but, only if you are very interested in my qualifications and are prepared to make me an offer of a job in your company."

It is a truthfull answer, but you, at the same time, are asking, "if you are not interested in me for employment, why would you need to ask my present employeer or any of my employeers?"

If the question was on the questionaire the reason I left it blank was to make potentional employer ask me verbally which I then said what I would have said if it was asked and not having to be written. Very difficult to erase after submitting, a wrong answer. I used notes about what I would say and relied on standard answers.

Answer 2

I've always been told that it looks as if you have a problem that you don't want the prospective employer to find out about. I don't know that it would reduce your chances, but they may question your integrity a little more. Perhaps you could check it then, if given the opportunity explain why you do not want them to contact your present employer. Don't know if that is really good advice or not because I have always checked yes. Perhaps to you could just leave it open as if you failed to see it or something. Then again that may make you look as if you are not very efficient. Good luck whatever you do.

Answer 3

If you let the employer know that you are currently working and have not let your employer know you are looking for a replacement job, most potential employers will not look at that as a bad thing.

As long as you do have a reference from a previous employer you should be good. Make sure that you have one of your previous coworkers give a reference or letters of recommendation also speak highly of you.

This should not stop you from getting the job.

Answer 4

Naturally, the "no" will create some curiosity, but if you really mean "no," you should check off "no." When you hand in the application, offer the employer a letter of reference that you have received from someone who works in that company or a list of references (personal and professional) who can vouch for you.

Answer 5

It might look like you are trying to hide something negative about your last job, or it might even look like you didn't really work there. I would only check no if you are currently in the job and don't want them to know you are looking for another one. What you can do is ask your manager or HR what their policy is on references. They can tell you what they will tell a possible employer if they call. If they only verify dates of employment and eligibility for rehire, you should be ok.

Answer 6

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RE:
The "May we contact your present employer" option?
What I want to know is, does checking "no" on this option reduce your chances of getting a job? One might not want their current employer to know that they are searching for another job (lest they be fired or face uncomfortable questions), but others I've spoken to feel that this is...

Answer 7

If you check "no" to contact your current employer they'll hopefully understand that it's because you don't want your current employer to know that you're looking.
I would check no and explain your reasons if asked.

Answer 8

It's pretty common to say 'no' to this question, and definitely doesn't make the interviewer think you have something to hide. About the only time someone would say yes is if they know they're going to get laid off.

If that's your ONLY employer or only one in the last 10 years or something, try to have some other reference available though.

Answer 9

If the question comes up as to why, just give a brief answer such as "I don't feel comfortable providing that information." If something so petty costs you a job, the employer was not worth working for to begin with.

Answer 10

Personal experience....if you choose the option to say "no" to contacting them they will probably ask you why at which point it is wise to let them know you do not wish for them to be alerted of your searching employment elsewhere. Goodluck in your search!