Why Do Employers Ask To Contact Current Employer?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Potential employers want to contact past

employers so that they have an understanding of your personality and work style

. All of these answers communicate that you're difficult to work with and might have something to hide. … Avoid answering the “may we contact your current employer” in any of these ways.

Can a company contact your current employer without permission?

Employment at will

Can your current employer be contacted?


It's perfectly acceptable to answer no to contacting your current employer

. Most employers understand this and usually won't have any effect on their decision. Make sure you have a backup of other references or employers they can contact. … It's usually okay to answer “no” for “can we contact your current employer.”

Will my current employer be contacted during background check?

Doing a background check does not mean you have the job. It will in no way hinder your current job, employers who do

generally pull your credit report and call older employers

.

What if I don't want my current employer contacted?

If you do not want your current employer to know you are looking to leave your current position.

A hiring department will

find it completely acceptable to say “no” to a current employer because your job could be at stake if they find out you are seeking employment elsewhere. If the company no longer exists.

Does it look bad if I say no to contact an employer?


It's perfectly acceptable to answer no to contacting your current employer

. Most employers understand this and usually won't have any effect on their decision. Make sure you have a backup of other references or employers they can contact. … It's usually okay to answer “no” for “can we contact your current employer.”

Should I tell my boss I'm interviewing for another job?

It's better not to jeopardize your current position until you've accepted an offer for a new job. Nevertheless, when it is time to tell your current boss, remember to be polite and at your professional best. …

It is better to interview for another job while you still have one

.

How do I know if I passed my background check?

The Applicant Background Check Status is located at

: https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/

. The ATI Number and Date of Birth are required to perform a search. An applicant may otherwise request a status of their fingerprint background check only with the agency that requested their background check.

Should I tell my current employer where my new job is?

Legally,

you have no obligation to tell your employer

where you are going. There is no need to let them know where you will be working if they know where you live. … If you have an employment agreement, make sure you don't have a non-compete clause or a non-disclosure obligation to your old employer.

Will my new employer know I was fired?


Your potential new employer will eventually find out from checking references that you've been fired

and might reject you if she finds out you lied about your termination. Although you will have to tell potential employers that you've been fired, timing is extremely important.

Should I tell my references that they may be contacted?

So, if possible, you should

give your references a heads-up to let them know who will be contacting them

, and supply them with an updated copy of your resume. Pro tip: Share the job description with your references, so they can gain a good sense of the position you're applying for.

Is it OK to ask your current boss for a reference?

The short answer is

yes

. It's acceptable to ask your current employer to write you a referral letter

Do jobs really call your previous employer?

Most times, they

will speak with the human resources department or your previous supervisor

. However, employers most often contact to verify you are accurately representing your experience with them, rather than get a review of your time with them.

Can a previous employer disclose why you left?


Employers are not prohibited by law from disclosing

to a potential employer – who calls for a reference about a former employee – the reasons that the employee left, as long as the information they share is truthful. … That's right – no references for anyone – even their best (former) employees.

Can you terminate an employee for looking for another job?

Can my employer fire me for looking for a new job?” Typically,

yes

. Your California employer can legally terminate your employment because you are actively searching for a new job.

What to say if your boss asks if you are interviewing?

  • “… because I'm moving (or changing careers).”
  • “… because I'm worried about my job security.”
  • “… because I want to advance my career.”
  • “… because I had an interesting opportunity come up.”
Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.