Can a job contact your current employer?
The fact of the matter is most employers will not contact your current employer without discussing it with you first. And typically, reference checks won't occur until an applicant is further along in the process.
Most companies won't contact a current employer without permission and most current employers won't use a job search as a reason to terminate an employee.
It's perfectly acceptable to answer no to contacting your current employer. Most employers understand this and usually won't have any effect on their decision. Make sure you have a backup of other professional references or employers they can contact.
You can also ask someone not to contact your current employer in your cover letter. The most polite way to do this is to give a reason for your request. Mentioning you don't want to offend your existing boss or make things awkward in your present position should keep your reader from raising red flags at this appeal.
- Dates of employment.
- Educational degrees and dates.
- Job title.
- Job description.
- Why the employee left the job.
- Whether the employee was terminated for cause.
- Whether there were any issues with the employee regarding absenteeism or tardiness.
- Whether the employee is eligible for rehire.
Yes. It is perfectly legal for an employer to fire you for the sole reason that you are looking for a new job.
The short answer: no. “You aren't legally obligated to tell your employer where you're going next,” said Cole. “But, you should consider your relationship with your manager when deciding whether or not to share that information.”
If these negative workplace scenarios weren't bad enough, they are made even worse by a former employer who is going out of their way to pain an inaccurate depiction of you to prospective employers. At this point your former boss may be legally liable for their attempts to sabotage your job search.
If these negative workplace scenarios weren't bad enough, they are made even worse by a former employer who is going out of their way to pain an inaccurate depiction of you to prospective employers. At this point your former boss may be legally liable for their attempts to sabotage your job search.
Employment Verification
With your consent, your future employer can contact past employers. A CRA will contact the employers listed on your resume or application to verify the dates you worked and the positions you held. They may also contact references you have provided to ascertain performance and character.
How do employers verify current employment?
How do employers verify your work history? Typically, the employer will ask you to list one reference for each previous place of employment, and they will contact those references. The company may also ask for other personal or professional references in addition to employment references.