what is a good reason

[purple10]

what is a good 'reason' for checking 'no' on if a employer asks to contact a previous employer?

[llg, PhD, RN]

If it's a current employer, you can say that you don't want them to know you are hunting for a new job.

But if it's one you have already left ... saying that you don't want anyone to contact them automatically raises a red flag. It may not necessarily be the "kiss of death" on your application, but in a competitive job market, it may hurt your chances.

Sometimes, it's better to deal with your past problem up-front rather than hope the employer won't find out about it.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

You don't need to tell them anything unless you want to tell them the truth. It's those little white lies that come up from behind and get ya.

I had one that I only worked a little time and the DNS hated me for some unknown reason so I got another job and quit. I know if I put that place down she would only try to fry me so I don't put it down and claim stay at home mom excuse.

Some people say that the office can somehow attain a list of places a prospective employee has worked before but it's never happened to me.

IMO if you don't want to lie don't put it down and if you put it down tell them it was not a good match and leave it at that (unless you tell them the truth) but know that it will put a cloud of curiosity around the circumstances either way.

[Davey Do]

purple10:

According to certain guidelines in this area, an employer is only allowed to give a limited amount of information on a former employee: Confirm employment, dates of employment, and job title/duties.

That's all the information I would give as a Nursing Supervisor when I worked in Home Health. However, if the prospective employer requested more information, I would allow it based on two conditions:

1) The employee requested it (in writing) OR 2) If the employee was, in my estimation, a good one. (That would be more of a personal reference.)

I had no problem relaying positive information about an employee. The sticky wicket was with negative stuff. Negative stuff had the potential to come back and haunt me.

BTW: What's your reason for wanting to check the "no" box?

Nevermind. It's none of my business.

Dave

[bill4745, RN]

Some people say that the office can somehow attain a list of places a prospective employee has worked before but it's never happened to me.

A list of former employers often shows up on credit reports, which some employers check before hiring.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

A list of former employers often shows up on credit reports, which some employers check before hiring.

Where I come from they cannot check your credit report unless you let them and last time I looked no one was asking to check.

[bill4745, RN]

Where I come from they cannot check your credit report unless you let them and last time I looked no one was asking to check.

In many areas they can and do check credit reports, without permission, before hiring someone.