Would this hurt my chances of getting a job?

Question

I just asked some questions if I should leave my current job for a video store. About 99% (including me) say I should make the change.

I was looking at the application and I have two areas that I need some advice first.

First, is says are you currently employed? Yes, I am, at Taco Bell. I'm not a big fan of it and want to change. But the part I'm concerned about is "Can we Contact Your Current Employer?"

I want to say no, just in case I don't get the vid store job, taco bell wont be mad. But if I check no, will this hurt my chances?

And two, they ask if I would be "willing to relocate?" I again want to say no (I'm only 16), but really want this job.

So what should I do for these two sections of the application?

By the way, in the Two Weeks Notice I give taco Bell if I get hired, I'm gonna say I have to quit due to school or a spring sport (so if I don't like the new job, I could come back).

Answer 1

Check no on the contact - we HR people understand that you don't want to risk a job for a possible job. They will want to contact Taco Bell if they later offer you the job.

Check no on the relocation - it's unlikely they expect you to move across the country for a video store gig.

Good luck

Answer 2

on the application where they ask "are you willing to relocate?" - it's okay for you to say no. some of these major companies use the same app for those who are applying for manager jobs and those who are just applying for the grunt work jobs.

It's okay to say that you don't want them to contact your current job. They aren't going to look at you different if you say no. just have some solid references - no friends, and the trick ... if it is a friend, list them as a coworker and tell your friend that you did. Places do call your references to get an idea of how you are.

When you write your two week notice, just say "leaving for personal reasons." I looked up "two week notice" online before i left my job last spring. replaced the company name and months i work there in the letter. My boss thought it was the greatest and nicest way to say i'm leaving that he had ever seen. So look it up online ... it helped me and i didn't have to give a reason why i was leaving ...

Answer 3

It's fine to say not to contact your current employer -- that's why the question's there, because many people are in similar situations. It might make a difference, but only in a case where they're deciding between two equally employable people only one of which doesn't want his employer contacted.

The relocation question is easy -- if they offer you the job but only if you relocate, will you take it? If so, say Yes, if not, say No.

And don't lie to your current employer. It's OK to omit telling them something they didn't ask about, like you've applied elsewhere, but an out-and-out lie is a bad precedent to start setting, and a bad habit.

Answer 4

Usually, a job reference is just your potental employer calling up your present employer confirming the your hire date and end date. You should check with references before listing them on a job application. Yes, a supervisor or store owner at my workplace is supposed to be a nice guy and give a job reference. Do not assume they will. Just because business xyz calls your present employer about a reference does not mean you are thinking about quiting your present job.

Answer 5

Checking no for either question won't hurt your chances of the job.

When you interview just explain that you don't want to put your current job at risk if you aren't going to get this job.