How crucial is it when a Job application asks if you may contact supervisor and i check no?

[ajtyeh]

I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.


EDIT

so i'm thinking maybe i should convey to my boss that im planning on leaving and give her the heads up so shes not surprised/annoyed by it. Im in no rush to leave persay right now, if the right job offer comes up then i will take it. and i dont want my boss thinking that i never leave after she gets a bunch of calls from prospective employers and im still here 6 months from now...

so should i let her know in advance if i decide to let prospective employers contact my current supervisor

 

[ggnl]

Some places will reject your application wholesale if they can't at least do an employment verification.

But since this is a gov't job, I can't see why they would give you the option to do it if it would completely kill your chances.

But that's, like, my opinion, man.

 

[Injury]

It shouldn't matter at all.

The issue isn't "Can we ask them about your performance" the issue is "They might not know you're looking for other work".

Some employers feel very bitter about their employees wanting to leave. In some cases (usually where sensitive information is involved), this is reason enough to have security to escort you to the door immediately or move you to another department where you are not able to know about certain projects.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: Injury
It shouldn't matter at all.

The issue isn't "Can we ask them about your performance" the issue is "They might not know you're looking for other work".

Some employers feel very bitter about their employees wanting to leave. In some cases (usually where sensitive information is involved), this is reason enough to have security to escort you to the door immediately.

It does matter. Even if it seems it doesn't matter, most hiring managers will subconciously think, 'What does he have to hide?'

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.

If you don't want to be fired from your current job, you list NO on the application. The hiring company knows that it's slim to none that any applicant is going to say yes but if they do, it will help them in the hiring process.

 

[blue703]

I think they just check if you actually worked at the location you listed. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[ajtyeh]

Originally posted by: blue703
I think they just check if you actually worked at the location you listed. Can anyone confirm this?

hey i graduated from maryland:cp as well, supposed to be spring 08, but i graduated early in fall 07.

well another question.

do you think i should convey to my boss that i may plan on leaving?

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh

Originally posted by: blue703
I think they just check if you actually worked at the location you listed. Can anyone confirm this?

hey i graduated from maryland:cp as well, supposed to be spring 08, but i graduated early in fall 07.

well another question.

do you think i should convey to my boss that i may plan on leaving?

Again, do you want to be fired?

 

[imported_Imp]

Put an asterisk. If someone has the time to read the "No" checkmark, they can read a sentence of you explaining why. Last month I filled out an application, asked me if they could call my last supervisor, and I said yes. However, I also wrote that I would prefer they wouldn't cause I didn't ask permission and hadn't been in touch for so long. If I asked, he would have been happy cause we had a pretty good relationship.

 

[ggnl]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh

Originally posted by: blue703
I think they just check if you actually worked at the location you listed. Can anyone confirm this?

hey i graduated from maryland:cp as well, supposed to be spring 08, but i graduated early in fall 07.

well another question.

do you think i should convey to my boss that i may plan on leaving?

I would avoid it at all costs until you have the new job lined up. You might get canned for it.

 

[CRXican]

What kind of jobs? I want to apply

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.


EDIT

so i'm thinking maybe i should convey to my boss that im planning on leaving and give her the heads up so shes not surprised/annoyed by it. Im in no rush to leave persay right now, if the right job offer comes up then i will take it. and i dont want my boss thinking that i never leave after she gets a bunch of calls from prospective employers and im still here 6 months from now...

so should i let her know in advance if i decide to let prospective employers contact my current supervisor

Are you really this naive?

NO and NO

 

[ajtyeh]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.


EDIT

so i'm thinking maybe i should convey to my boss that im planning on leaving and give her the heads up so shes not surprised/annoyed by it. Im in no rush to leave persay right now, if the right job offer comes up then i will take it. and i dont want my boss thinking that i never leave after she gets a bunch of calls from prospective employers and im still here 6 months from now...

so should i let her know in advance if i decide to let prospective employers contact my current supervisor

Are you really this naive?

NO and NO

Yes and No. i guess i am naive to ask, but if you've ever worked with the federal government, and from everythign ive heard and seen and learn, its pretty hard to get fired. some say you have to kill a guy twice in 1 day. (obvisouly impossible)

but anyways, i get your point. i guess it sounds stupid, but i thought isnt my boss goign to figure im leaving when prospective employers are going to call anyways?

 

[ggnl]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.


EDIT

so i'm thinking maybe i should convey to my boss that im planning on leaving and give her the heads up so shes not surprised/annoyed by it. Im in no rush to leave persay right now, if the right job offer comes up then i will take it. and i dont want my boss thinking that i never leave after she gets a bunch of calls from prospective employers and im still here 6 months from now...

so should i let her know in advance if i decide to let prospective employers contact my current supervisor

Are you really this naive?

NO and NO

Yes and No. i guess i am naive to ask, but if you've ever worked with the federal government, and from everythign ive heard and seen and learn, its pretty hard to get fired. some say you have to kill a guy twice in 1 day. (obvisouly impossible)

but anyways, i get your point. i guess it sounds stupid, but i thought isnt my boss goign to figure im leaving when prospective employers are going to call anyways?

Do you work for the gov't already?

This is exactly why you tell them not to contact your supervisor.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I am applying for federal jobs in california and on the online resume it asks if they may contact my current supervisor and i checked no.

how much does this hurt my chances of getting job/job interviews?

you may ask why? i guess a few reasons.

1. started the job in March so ive been here for 8 months
2. we're on just so-so relationship. she doesnt hate me by any standard but i'm not her favorite employee.
3. i think she might get annoyed having being called by many prospective employers all the time.


EDIT

so i'm thinking maybe i should convey to my boss that im planning on leaving and give her the heads up so shes not surprised/annoyed by it. Im in no rush to leave persay right now, if the right job offer comes up then i will take it. and i dont want my boss thinking that i never leave after she gets a bunch of calls from prospective employers and im still here 6 months from now...

so should i let her know in advance if i decide to let prospective employers contact my current supervisor

Are you really this naive?

NO and NO

Yes and No. i guess i am naive to ask, but if you've ever worked with the federal government, and from everythign ive heard and seen and learn, its pretty hard to get fired. some say you have to kill a guy twice in 1 day. (obvisouly impossible)

but anyways, i get your point. i guess it sounds stupid, but i thought isnt my boss goign to figure im leaving when prospective employers are going to call anyways?

Why are prospective employers going to call her? If you're not on good terms with her, why the hell would you allow prospective employers contact her?

 

[ajtyeh]

I got hired in march of this year into the United States Navy Intern Acquisition Program, and its a 3 year program that trains you in many different aspects and according to laws/regs to procure and spend federal appropriations to support the Navy. its a really nice program, but their program is pretty much within the east coast for now. they have similar programs within the west coast and which i am attempting to transfer/apply there. I dont think this will be that much of a sore topic for my boss as i am staying with the Deparment of Defense/Navy and staying within the same scope of work, utilizing the training i have been provided by the government.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I got hired in march of this year into the United States Navy Intern Acquisition Program, and its a 3 year program that trains you in many different aspects and according to laws/regs to procure and spend federal appropriations to support the Navy. its a really nice program, but their program is pretty much within the east coast for now. they have similar programs within the west coast and which i am attempting to transfer/apply there. I dont think this will be that much of a sore topic for my boss as i am staying with the Deparment of Defense/Navy and staying within the same scope of work, utilizing the training i have been provided by the government.

In general its a bad idea to inform your boss until you're sure you have the next job lined up. Even in the government you have a 1yr probationary period, so the opportunity exists for your boss to fire you if you don't get the job on the west coast. She may think "He's not committed to this job, he's trying to move out west, why should I waste time & energy on him?" Even if you're not fired you may find that you get less attention/support than you enjoy now.

At the same time if you talk to your boss about it, she may be able to help facilitate the transfer out west - i.e. she may know the folks out there professionally.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ShockwaveVT

Originally posted by: ajtyeh
I got hired in march of this year into the United States Navy Intern Acquisition Program, and its a 3 year program that trains you in many different aspects and according to laws/regs to procure and spend federal appropriations to support the Navy. its a really nice program, but their program is pretty much within the east coast for now. they have similar programs within the west coast and which i am attempting to transfer/apply there. I dont think this will be that much of a sore topic for my boss as i am staying with the Deparment of Defense/Navy and staying within the same scope of work, utilizing the training i have been provided by the government.

In general its a bad idea to inform your boss until you're sure you have the next job lined up. Even in the government you have a 1yr probationary period, so the opportunity exists for your boss to fire you if you don't get the job on the west coast. She may think "He's not committed to this job, he's trying to move out west, why should I waste time & energy on him?" Even if you're not fired you may find that you get less attention/support than you enjoy now.

At the same time if you talk to your boss about it, she may be able to help facilitate the transfer out west - i.e. she may know the folks out there professionally.

Based on the OP, if she doesn't think highly of him, she could provide a negative reference of him to a perspective employer.

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: Injury
It shouldn't matter at all.

The issue isn't "Can we ask them about your performance" the issue is "They might not know you're looking for other work".

Some employers feel very bitter about their employees wanting to leave. In some cases (usually where sensitive information is involved), this is reason enough to have security to escort you to the door immediately.

It does matter. Even if it seems it doesn't matter, most hiring managers will subconciously think, 'What does he have to hide?'

"It shouldn't matter at all" is what I said.

Regardless, if your application shows you are currently employed and you don't want them to contact your current employer it should be obvious what it means... the potential employer can speculate all they want but if affects their ability to be reasonable then you can be assured that the hiring process is already screwed and the best candidate won't get the job anyway. I don't know for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a law in some states requiring someone to not have that held against them unless it's fully disclosed on the application that it may disqualify you.