Do you have to put all previous employers on a resume? (employment, applying)

[HurricaneDC]

I'm considering applying for an internship. I used to work at a supermarket but I left on a bit of a bad note. If I put it down and mark that they can't call them, that wouldn't be very good. If I don't put it down then they wouldn't even know, but that seems unethical to me.

Thoughts?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by HurricaneDC

I'm considering applying for an internship. I used to work at a supermarket but I left on a bit of a bad note. If I put it down and mark that they can't call them, that wouldn't be very good. If I don't put it down then they wouldn't even know, but that seems unethical to me.

Thoughts?

It's not unethical. The worst that can happen is someone ask about that period of time and why you weren't working.

[Koale]

Originally Posted by HurricaneDC

I'm considering applying for an internship. I used to work at a supermarket but I left on a bit of a bad note. If I put it down and mark that they can't call them, that wouldn't be very good. If I don't put it down then they wouldn't even know, but that seems unethical to me.

Thoughts?

If the work experience is applicable to the job you are applying for your should list the employer. Past employers can only advise whether or not
you are eligible for rehire. Can't give reasons.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Koale

If the work experience is applicable to the job you are applying for your should list the employer. Past employers can only advise whether or not
you are eligible for rehire. Can't give reasons.

That's not really true, it's typical and a good idea, but depending who answers the phone and how dumb they are you could get anything when calling for a reference/verification. I've hired many people over the years and you'd be amazed at what people will tell you. I personally never give more than the employment dates and job title.

[HurricaneDC]

Originally Posted by Charles

It's not unethical. The worst that can happen is someone ask about that period of time and why you weren't working.

Well it was mainly during the summer between school years so it wouldn't be that striking that I "didn't" work.

Originally Posted by Koale

If the work experience is applicable to the job you are applying for your should list the employer. Past employers can only advise whether or not
you are eligible for rehire. Can't give reasons.

True, but wouldn't it raise an eyebrow if a person wasn't eligible for rehire?

[ohiogirl22]

Originally Posted by HurricaneDC

I'm considering applying for an internship. I used to work at a supermarket but I left on a bit of a bad note. If I put it down and mark that they can't call them, that wouldn't be very good. If I don't put it down then they wouldn't even know, but that seems unethical to me.

Thoughts?

I see you are applying for an internship. I assume you are a student. Since I am just past that stage in my life I think I can comment.

Not sure what field you are in but unless it's some sort of agricultural something or other I am sure your grocery store job would be listed just to show you held a job. You could always list it and not list anyone from there as a reference. I have found that internships are more interested in teachers or previous internship supervisors as references than part time job people. Maybe you're in writing and a fantastic writer but you suck at stocking shelves, that shouldn't hurt your internship.

Bottom line: if you are a student you probably have splotchy work experience anyways so try and make your resume relevant more to the internship you are applying for.

[Offsetdude]

Chances are very good your previous employer's legal adviser has told them not to give any references, good or bad, only confirm you worked there.

Leaving them out isn't good, unexplained gaps in your history throw up big red flags for new employers.

If this was a part time job while in school you can leave them out but this also leaves out you have any work experience.

Keep the saying "Don't burn your bridges" in mind for future reference.

My advice; List them and your duties there, if they are called they will almost certainly only confirm you worked there, nothing more.

[HurricaneDC]

Fair enough. I'll go ahead and list them. Thanks everyone.

e: Yes, Offset, I definitely need to keep that saying in mind.

[alphamale]

Nobody checks.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Koale

If the work experience is applicable to the job you are applying for your should list the employer. Past employers can only advise whether or not
you are eligible for rehire. Can't give reasons.

That is ABSOLUTELY FALSE!!! As long as they tell the truth in an objective manner, they can say whatever they want. If the OP threw jars of pasta sauce all over the aisle before storming out, they can certainly say so.