If you’ve been through a job application process at all you’ve certainly listed your lineup of previous employers and positions. After each, it’s likely you were also asked, May we contact this employer?
What should you should say?
We’ve created a guide to when it’s appropriate to say yes or no and the implications of your answer. Click for similar guides on interview questions like do you want to tell us anything else about you, what are you passionate about, and what are you looking for in a job.
Why is a company asking, May we contact this employer?
The main goal is verification. Employers want to know that you’re honest about the roles you’ve had and that you are really as good as you claim. (Note: asking for an employment verification letter is different.) Here are the five main reasons companies ask for permission to contact your previous employer:
1. Verification of employment history: Employers want to verify that the information you provided about your employment history is accurate. This includes confirming the positions you held, your job responsibilities, dates of employment, and your reasons for leaving.
2. Reference checks: Contacting previous employers allows the hiring company to gather insights into your work performance, strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for the new role. References can provide valuable perspectives on your skills, work ethic, and character.
3. Cultural fit: Employers may also use these conversations to assess how well you might fit into their organizational culture. They may ask about your teamwork abilities, communication skills, and how you handle challenges to gauge whether you align with their company culture.
4. Red flags: Contacting previous employers can sometimes reveal red flags or concerns that weren't apparent during the interview process. This might include issues related to performance, behavior, or other factors that could impact your suitability for the new role.
5. Legal and liability reasons: Some companies have policies or legal obligations to verify past employment. They may need to ensure that you have not misrepresented your employment history, which could have legal implications for both you and the hiring company.
Overall, contacting previous employers is a standard part of the hiring process for many companies and serves as a way to gather comprehensive information about candidates before making a hiring decision.
Read more: Reasons for Leaving a Job: The Good, Bad & Messy
How to respond when a company asks, May we contact this employer?
For any past employer, you should almost always try to answer ‘yes, you may contact my previous employer.' By agreeing, you show that you have nothing to hide about your work history.
Also remember, even though this question appears on the initial application, the hiring team most likely won’t make any phone calls until late in the hiring process.
Can you say 'no' at any point?
There are only a couple scenarios when it’s understandable to prevent potential employers from reaching out to your work contacts. When checking the ‘no’ box, you should be prepared to explain your reasoning.
1. This is your current employer
Most people want to keep their job search out of view of their current employer for fear of termination or damaging the relationship. Hiring managers understand this. Say something like:
"Thank you for considering me for the [position]. I'm excited about the opportunity and eager to move forward in the process. However, I hope you understand that I'm currently employed at [current company] and would prefer not to involve them in my job search at this time.
I'd be more than happy to provide references from previous roles who can speak to my skills and qualifications. Additionally, I'm open to discussing my current responsibilities and accomplishments in more detail to help you assess my fit for the position.
Please let me know if there are any other ways I can provide the information you need to proceed with my application. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter."
2. Your manager is no longer with the company
If your manager or direct supervisor is no longer with your previous company for whatever reason, you can mention this on your application. However, you should try to find an alternative contact you also worked closely with who could verify your employment. Your manager’s boss or an HR rep works. You can start that conversation like this:
"Thank you for considering me for the [position]. Regarding your request to contact my previous employer, I want to inform you that my former manager, who would typically serve as a reference, is no longer with the company. As a result, I would prefer not to involve the organization in my job search.
However, I'm more than willing to provide alternative references who can speak to my skills, work ethic, and qualifications. These references can offer valuable insights into my professional abilities and character.
Please let me know if there's any additional information you require, or if there are alternative ways I can demonstrate my suitability for the position. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter."
Read more: Laid Off, Fired, or Terminated? What to Say When They Ask
3. The company is no longer in business
It happens. You should still include this experience on your resume, but obviously, hiring teams won’t expect to speak with your former colleagues. Say this instead of simply 'no':
"Thank you for considering me for the [position]. Regarding your request to contact my previous employer, I regret to inform you that the company is no longer in business. As a result, I'm unable to provide a reference from that organization.
However, I'm more than willing to provide alternative references from other positions I've held, who can speak to my skills, work ethic, and qualifications. These references can offer valuable insights into my professional abilities and character.
Please let me know if there's any additional information you require, or if there are alternative ways I can demonstrate my suitability for the position. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter."
4. You don’t have such a great relationship with that employer
What should you do if you had a rocky relationship with your former boss or left the company on bad terms? Don’t just leave the position off of your resume. This could raise questions about gaps in employment and be more harmful than helpful in the end. You could...
List a different reference
If you and your manager had creative differences, provide the name and number of an alternative company employee, such as a higher-up supervisor, with whom you had a positive relationship. You could also list an HR staff member who would simply confirm your employment dates.
Double-check what they might say
When you’re worried what your reference will have to say about you, try asking: Do you feel that you could provide a positive reference for me?
Most employers will keep the conversation professional and you could have nothing to worry about. Some companies even have a policy of only sharing factual information to avoid any kind of defamation lawsuit. Call the HR team to find out if your previous company abides by a similar policy.
Be transparent with the hiring manager
Directly address the issue like this:
"Thank you for considering me for the [position]. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further. Regarding your request to contact my previous employer, I must be transparent and explain that I don't have the most positive relationship with them.
While I fulfilled my responsibilities diligently during my tenure, there were challenges in the working environment that led to a strained relationship. Out of concern for maintaining professionalism and ensuring a fair evaluation of my candidacy, I believe it would be best to refrain from contacting them directly.
However, I am more than willing to provide alternative references who can speak to my skills, work ethic, and qualifications. These references can offer a comprehensive view of my capabilities and character.
Please let me know if there are any additional aspects of my candidacy you'd like to discuss or if there are alternative ways I can demonstrate my suitability for the position. I appreciate your understanding and consideration."
Read More: How to Follow Up on a Job Application
