"may we contact this employer?"

[montinurse, BSN]

What if I don't want my current employer to be contacted about an application I submitted (yet). What do employers think when you check the "no" button? Or do you always check yes?

I don't think I want my supervisors to know I'm searching for a new job, keeping my options wide open :)

[caliotter3]

There are some employers who will contact despite your request for non contact. You have no way of knowing this beforehand unless someone tells you. I always try to mention it in person and I also hope that they are one of those employers who doesn't necessarily contact anyone at all or does it after the fact. I have had some very bad experiences with people bad mouthing me to prospective employers after they assured me they would give good references.

[montinurse, BSN]

Good point, I think I remember they do reference checks after the first interview. I don't feel they would have any reason to bad mouth me, but could always skew the truth in order to keep me employed with them instead of going elsewhere! (if that makes any sense at all)

Thanks

[caliotter3]

I am well aware of the employer trying to keep a good employee by poisoning the well when a prospective employer calls. A friend told me about this practice years ago when it happened to them. They were very depressed to find out this was going on. It had never occurred to me that anyone would do something like this, much less do everything to see that a former employee could not earn a living.

[montinurse, BSN]

I honestly hate that I have become so skeptical with a situation, but my experience has taught me otherwise! And my current supervisor has a way of being "politely negative" without even knowing it....

[caliotter3]

You are doing well to be skeptical, it is an act of self preservation. Expect the worst and you won't be caught by surprise if you take precautions. In general, employers can not be trusted. A fact of life.

[Doug Craig]

It is always best to answer no. IN most cases, you do not want your present employer to know you are seeking another job. Should the potential employer be interested in you, you will be able to provide references of your choosing. It is rare for your present employer to provide any information beyond whether you are a current employee and how long you have worked there.

You may wish to tell the potential employer that they may contact your present employer, should they be in a position to provide an offer of employment.

Make sure your resume information includes performancxe and achievement information, along with the metrics to support it. This includes percentage improvements, dollar savings, employee retention rates, time savings, etc. Make sure your resume is well structured and free of format, spelling and diction errors. I can't believe the number of Master's prepared candidates who use poor English or have a poorly structured resume.

ALso, you must practice interviewing. This is very important!! There are many sources of information available about effective interviewing. It is well worth your time to invest in this area.

Good luck!