Would you allow...question on job app

[Katrina]

My daughter is filling out job applications online and came across one that has a question that is tricky to answer because it could go badly either way.

"Would you allow us to contact your current employer if you are among the final applicants for the position?"

How would you answer and why? There is only a yes or no option, no place to give a reason or explanation!

 

[Rick Ace]

My daughter is filling out job applications online and came across one that has a question that is tricky to answer because it could go badly either way.

"Would you allow us to contact your current employer if you are among the final applicants for the position?"

How would you answer and why? There is only a yes or no option, no place to give a reason or explanation!

Unfortunately, we don't have much of a choice these days. If it's something that must be done to get into a competitive job, then you might as well agree with it.

In most cases, you probably won't lose anything by allowing them to contact your current employer.

Is this a 'yes or no' question or one that allows a detailed response? I would personally answer yes. But if I felt it was intrusion, I would say something like, "My previous employer deals with X and she/he might not be willing to speak about X" or "I would need his/her permission before providing contact information.

 

[mav3n]

I always say no. My current employer does NOT need to know my intentions or that I am looking to leave. If you don't get the position you're applying for and your boss now knows you're looking to leave, it could cause an issue in the workplace and just make for a weird feeling.

 

[John]

I always say no. My current employer does NOT need to know my intentions or that I am looking to leave. If you don't get the position you're applying for and your boss now knows you're looking to leave, it could cause an issue in the workplace and just make for a weird feeling.

Hmm, it depends on the situation. I think if you kept it professional between just you and your boss and didn't have the "I'm gonna quit tomorrow - screw this place" mentality, it should be fine. A good boss wants you to succeed; even if it's not with them. If you're looking to leave, your current job probably isn't a good fit for you, anyway, and your work performance will suffer longterm.

I look over internship application at my job, and that's honestly a huge turnoff. I don't think I've ever actually contacted a former employer, but it feels like you're hiding something if you say it's not okay. Unless the previous job ended with a total nightmare, I'd probably just say yes.

 

[Page]

really? what if it's your very first job that you are signing up for? then get rejected.. NArrrr

 

[SimiCart]

I will say: Currently I am not working anywhere, so I cannot contact the current owner

 

[Jerlene]

Always check "yes". As a hiring manager, I would not give your daughter's application a second glance if she chose "no". In my head, I'd be thinking that she's trying to hide something. I'll say this though, a lot of employers won't make the call. It's really just a formality. Even going for managerial positions, the call was never made. But answer yes or there's a good chance that they won't bother with her.

 

[Allan]

I agree always click yes when I hire people that's one of the first thing that I look at. I don't call the current employer only the past ones, and ask the applicant in the interview if it would be ok.

 

[Guardian]

I always say no, and its never held me back. Its none of my current employers business, and if the new business finds that as a dealbreaker, they are not the company for me.

 

[Deleted member 17779]

I've always checked "yes" to that question. If I think a particular person at my workplace will try to sabotage my effort in looking for another job, then I will check still check "yes" on that question, however, I will give any potential employers the name of another person who I think will give a more honest answer about myself when I give contact information about previous work history.

 

[Katrina]

I've always checked "yes" to that question. If I think a particular person at my workplace will try to sabotage my effort in looking for another job, then I will check still check "yes" on that question, however, I will give any potential employers the name of another person who I think will give a more honest answer about myself when I give contact information about previous work history.

In the end, on the application this is what my daughter ended up doing. We went back and forth giving every reason to check No and every reason to check Yes. It was a tough call but her current job is only part-time and doesn't pay much so she isn't risking as much as if she were full time and making what she is actually worth.