Reference question

[sbostonRN]

I had a great interview last week for a nursing job I really want. I just got a call from the recruiter today asking for my ssn for my reference check. When I filled out my application, I had to fill out an employment history and it included a disclaimer: "This employer may contact any of the following persons or entities to obtain an employment reference."

So here's my question. I don't want my current employer to find out that I'm applying for jobs. Should I mention something to the recruiter about holding off on that particular reference, or will it seem like I have something to hide? Also of note, this is my only RN reference. And I've also been told that my current employer isn't too kind with providing references, though I've never heard first-hand.

I'd like to contact the recruiter before tomorrow morning so any help would be appreciated!

[ZenLover, MSN, RN, NP]

Be honest. Tell the recruiter exactly what you shared here. Simply tell the recruiter you would rather your current employer not be contacted because unless the job is offered, you could have to deal with backlash where you work now if you stay. Also state that your current employer doesn't know you are looking and if contacted with no notice, may not reply favorably as a result...though if the recruiter is SURE that a job offer is pending as long as your current employer doesn't say stuff like "Lindsey beats up all the geriatric patients and we have kept her on for fear that she will stalk us all" then tell them to go ahead and make all the contact they like.

Bottom line...be honest. You don't want to go through a hiring process or start a new job hiding anything. Things have a way of coming to light and you would be surprised how circumstances can quickly get worse instead of better.

Good luck!

[sbostonRN]

Things have a way of coming to light and you would be surprised how circumstances can quickly get worse instead of better.

Good luck!

kellyski, what exactly do you mean by this?

Just for the record, I don't have anything to hide. My patients and coworkers think highly of me and I think most of my fellow nurses and charge nurses would provide excellent references. The people I'm afraid of are the DON and ADON, who are the people they're likely to contact as references. :/

[ZenLover, MSN, RN, NP]

Don't be so nervous SBoston. I believe perhaps I communicated my intention wrong. Simply speak to the recruiter and share with her the same information you are sharing with me. Tell her your fears...because that is just it, you don't have anything to hide. You may find that they would rather hear from your coworkers because they would know more about your day to day style, and what you have accomplished while you have been there, etc.

I need to learn not to project and I think I did that a little. I have been in your shoes before and made it much more difficult then it needed to be. Chances are the recruiter has been in your shoes too. She'll understand and quite frankly if she doesn't then perhaps that should be a red flag for you anyway. Your concerns are not uncommon or unreasonable. You are far from being the only good employee that would be afraid of upper mgmt that you have had little or no contact with, and concerned about their response b/c they don't like dealing with turnover and might take it personal that you want to leave.

Just be open is all I am saying. Don't make life harder then it needs to be and you will never experience anything that someone else has not somewhere...it's just life and I am sure everything will turn out great for you! :)

[sbostonRN]

Thanks...I hope it goes over well. Will definitely post if I get the offer!

[Scarlette Wings]

I may be wrong but most of the places of employment around my area contact Human Resources for references and the guidelines are very strict about what can and cannot be shared on employees. There is so much that could be considered inappropriate and lead to lawsuits so HR is very guarded in what information they share on job applicants.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

it is not legal for an employer to offer personal information or bias towards an employee. They should state the facts only, like when you were hired and if you are eligible for re-hire

[ZenLover, MSN, RN, NP]

Both of you are stating the truth, but what some employers do is they will ask someone who doesn't know better during the application process to list "references" from their current job and please be sure it is your manager, etc. Once you list someone as a "reference", they can say whatever they want.

Bottom line is that if you don't want your employer saying anything negative, don't list them as a "reference" and make sure your status is eligible for rehire. Your current manager can state if you are or would be eligible for rehire. If they say "no", they don't really need to say much else, now do they?

[Merlyn]

It's the only work experience that you have. You have to use it. Be honest with this employer. It's your right to change jobs. If the old employer ask you why do you want to leave be truthful. Tell them the real reason that you want to quit.

[Stephalump]

I gotta say, I've never encountered an application like that. Normally, a company asks if it is ok to contact your current employer, and by "contact" they mean verify employment, not looking for references. As in, has so and so worked for you, in what position, for how long...and that's it. Then actual REFERENCES are given separately and chosen by you. HR should know better than to give any extra information about you during an employment verification without your consent, and it shouldn't be passed on to any of your bosses, because, really it could be anyone calling. Mortgage company, whoever.

Still, I think that disclaimer is odd. I wasn't aware they could do that.