Need advice about contacting current employer when applying to jobs (credit, employment)

[hx2010]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently searching for a new job and on the applications, it asks if they can contact my current employer. I don't want my current employer knowing I'm currently looking for another job. Do potential employers see it as a bad thing if I say no, they can't contact my current employer?

Any input would help. Thanks in advance!

[grumpy31700]

Simple answer, no. A recruiter will not have an issue about contacting your current employer. They may ask you why you want to leave and they may do a background, credit, and\or drug test and follow up with the rest of your employers. When you put all those things together they will give them all the answers they need.

[yjc281]

Originally Posted by hx2010

Do potential employers see it as a bad thing if I say no, they can't contact my current employer?

Any input would help. Thanks in advance!

Never allow them to contact your current employer unless you are a contractor and your contract is about to expire. That's the only situation I can think of. You should allow them to contact your previous employers(the ones before the current one.) though. No, they will not view it negatively.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by yjc281

Never allow them to contact your current employer unless you are a contractor and your contract is about to expire. That's the only situation I can think of. You should allow them to contact your previous employers(the ones before the current one.) though. No, they will not view it negatively.

I agree with this 100%. Only if both you and your current employer know your work situation is ending (end of contract, layoff, etc) do NOT allow someone from a prospective employer to contact your current employer. You'll be branded as disloyal and could wind up getting fired.

[ChristieP]

Speaking as a Human Resources Manager, we NEVER contact ANY references until AFTER obtaining your permission in an interview, and we would ALWAYS wait until after an employment offer had been extended before contacting your current employer. This is just common courtesy, and part of being professional. We also don't have time to call references on someone that we haven't even interviewed yet. References are usually only checked right before an offer is extended.

If you mark "do not contact" for your current employer, we often think you are a poor performer, were fired, etc. That strategy works against you...