question about job reference

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i have one more question about job application. i am currently working and i am looking for another job. the problem is i dont want my current employer to know that i'm looking for another job. if i'm filling out a job application and if i check a box where i do not want them to do reference check on my current job can they not check reference or do they stll do it? i know its illegal to ask personal questions during the interview like your race etc but is it also illegal for a company to give good or bad reference about their employee or can they still do it? are they only required to give the date of employement and if they are hireable or nor or do employers still give information about their employees?

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

I believe they can only tell them that you work there and what position you hold. I don't think your current employer is allowed to tell them anything about your job performance good or bad.

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Technically they can tell them almost anything. You would want to check your HR's policy. Most companies HR departments will only give out position and dates you worked to keep things simple, however they are not prevented by law from giving more including performance, supervisor information, etc.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I believe they can only tell them that you work there and what position you hold. I don't think your current employer is allowed to tell them anything about your job performance good or bad.

That is an urban myth. Please see above post.

But if you ask the prospective employer not to contact your current employer, I don't believe that they will. That is a very common request.

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But if you ask the prospective employer not to contact your current employer, I don't believe that they will. That is a very common request.

That is a very very common request and I have never heard of a case where it is not honored. If the application has a section where you can request that they not contact your current company, it's almost a sure bet they won't.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.
That is an urban myth. Please see above post.

But if you ask the prospective employer not to contact your current employer, I don't believe that they will. That is a very common request.

Now this is true. There is a place on the application for this and you don't have to say why. Also I think that it depends on which state you live in.

Where I am they can disclose the dates of hire and the position. The inquiry can ask about whether you are rehire-able or not and only a yes or no is permitted. Now that's if they ask; the info cannot be put out voluntarily.

That being said; who are we kidding? I know from personal experience that the rules that are put in place to protect us are frequently not observed.

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