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Should I Let a Potential, Future Employer Contact My Current Employer?

Posted on 2/5/13 at 8:28 am
Posted by nikki6
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2011
1967 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 8:28 am
I've been looking at websites such as Indeed and Monster and I think I may be ready to start considering a career move. I am wondering, however, when the question arises, "Can we contact your current employer?" What should I say? I'm inclined to say no, b/c I don't want my current employer to know I'm looking to move on. They may decide to part ways with me before I've found a better opportunity. Does telling a future employer not to contact my current employer look bad? They are free to contact all past employers who I'm confident will give me good recommendations.
Just wondering what the best approach is. Thanks!
Posted by bunky
Portland, Ore.
Member since Jul 2011
4639 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 8:34 am to
I'd probably start with past contacts such as a college advisor or something and another character reference.

Don't want any potential for backlash, IMO
Posted by nikki6
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2011
1967 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 8:41 am to
I've got many character references and several past employers who will give me great recommendations. My current employer also thinks I'm great, but I don't know what will happen if they find out I'm looking to move on. It's small, privately owned company and the owner tends to take things personally. I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread until he finds out I'm looking for a better career opportunity and then things could get bad. They could let me go right then and there. I've got money saved, but I'd rather not be unemployed while I'm looking for a new job.
Posted by PurpleAndGold86
Member since Jun 2012
11036 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 8:45 am to
quote:

Does telling a future employer not to contact my current employer look bad?


No, not even a little bit. A prospective employer will understand that you are currently holding down another job and that you have not told that current job you are looking for a new job.

Most jobs don't contact past employers anyway, because in today's world the employer really can't say much of anything without the threat of being sued by the individual they are discussing. Typically VERY generic stuff if they were to call an employer.
Posted by dewster
Chicago
Member since Aug 2006
25361 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 11:09 am to
They can't say much these days about your history...most larger companies will just verify that you worked there, your start date, etc.

On the other hand, I would be reluctant to give permission for someone to call my boss if I am still employed there for obvious reasons.
Posted by nikki6
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2011
1967 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 11:42 am to
Just wanted to make sure it doesn't look like I'm trying to hide something. I'd be more than happy to have them contact my current employer...after they offer me a job.
Posted by PurpleAndGold86
Member since Jun 2012
11036 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 11:44 am to
quote:

Just wanted to make sure it doesn't look like I'm trying to hide something. I'd be more than happy to have them contact my current employer...after they offer me a job.


A respectable employer is not going to have an issue not contacting your current employer. They understand that you are not trying to broadcast to your current employer that you are looking for a new job. It definitely does not look like you are hiding something to say that.
Posted by elposter
Member since Dec 2010
24929 posts
Posted on 2/5/13 at 1:48 pm to
Very common not to allow contact with current employer. I can't imagine the prospective employer holding this against you in any way.

You should not allow it unless you don't care if your current employer fires you immediately.
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