Question->

sharptech

If you are currently hired and are searching for new employment..

When you go to the interview on the application it will say "Can we contact your current employer"

The answer is no because of obvious reasons.. does that hurt you when they are deciding on the position?

binarysoul

It may mean "your recent employer". I've never heard a recruiter calling in to get some info on an existing employee. But again this is a stragne world we live in.

binarysoul

More clarification: they may mean the last employer you worked for AND the assumption is you're not working now.

blargoe

It hasn't hurt me that I'm aware of.

sharptech

Binary - I am working now and this has to stay confidential.

Thanks blarg.

jpeezy55

Remember too, that unless you specifically permit your present, or past, employer to talk about you, all that a future employer can ask is if you did indeed worked at that business. No employer is allowed, legally, to give an opinion on your personality, work skills, or anything.

I think most interviewers know this and probably ask the question just to see what you will say. They could contact previous employers, but once again, the only thing they can ask is if you worked there and nothing more. So, really, what will they gain?

I am on good terms with previous employers and not one of them has ever said that anyone called to ask about me and my other references also told me the same thing, no one had ever contacted them...I did have one company call my sister-in-law to ask what kind of worker I was since I used to work for her husband's company who used to deal with the one I was applying for. But, she was not legally tied to his business (her name wasn't on any official documents), so they could ask her the personal questions without breaking any laws. However, I don't think too many companies waste their time making phone calls to check up on your past, unless you are in for some serious security-type of position, then some background checks would be necessary.

Danman32

The question is there so that inquiries won't jepardize your current job.
If you are currently working, and you don't want your employer to know you are looking for new employment, you check 'no'. If your employer knows you are looking, or if it doesn't matter either way, check 'yes'.

sharptech

Thanks guys,

yes Dan - I am checking "no" for that reason, just wondering if the company I interview for will mind that or look at me differently then someone else because of that.

Danman32

Probably won't hurt you to answer no, especially if there are other references to use. They may ask why you are looking to leave your current job, to figure out if it is on good or bad terms. It is actually considered good planning to look for a new job before leaving an existing one. To me it shows responsibility and the ability to be proactive.

sharptech

Dan -

Yes they ask why I am leaving my current job and I am honest w/ them, and they have had no problems with that.

Thanks

BubbaJ

jpeezy55 wrote:

Remember too, that unless you specifically permit your present, or past, employer to talk about you, all that a future employer can ask is if you did indeed worked at that business. No employer is allowed, legally, to give an opinion on your personality, work skills, or anything.

That's not strictly true. It is allowed in most states, but current and former employers are reluctant to give the information due to lawsuits. Even though employers win most of the suits (depending on the state, but certainly true in Texas), it costs them time and money that is better spent on the business. It is never illegal to give an opinion if you make sure that it is known that it is an opinion. It is when you state an opinion as fact that you may cross the line to libel, and the best defense to libel is the truth (documentation supporting your position).