What's the polite way to tell a potential employer to NOT contact your current employer?

[orty]

I like my job, but my buddy is stuck: He's out looking for something better (aren't we all? ), but he doesn't want his current employer to find out he's looking, for fear of getting canned. I didn't know what to tell him, but I figured somebody here might. Is there a polite (and effective) way, in the cover letter to a potential employer to say "Please don't contact my employer, for I fear that I could lose my job, and that would make me really sad"

-orty

 

[bozo1]

It is almost unheard of for a company to contact current or previous employers based on a resume or a job application. Usually, contacting previous employers, references, etc, only comes after a first interview and then only if they are interested in hiring. That said, it is NOT uncommon to simply state in the cover letter your wish to not have your current employer contacted "at this time" as you are still employed and do not want to jeopardize your position. This is common practice. Also, many application forms have a check box you can check if you do not want them to contact that listing.

 

[RossMAN]

Also, many application forms have a check box you can check if you do not want them to contact that listing.

I've noticed this also, it usually states

May we contact this employer? with choices as YES and NO. I've always thought answering no would make them suspicious?

 

[kamiam]

<< May we contact this employer? with choices as YES and NO. I've always thought answering no would make them suspicious? >>


I'd say it would IF it was a FORMER employer

 

[orty]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I'll pass it on!

And now that I think about it, you're right...I do remember seeing a &quot;May we contact your current employer?&quot; box on some applications back in the day. I'll let him know to keep an eye out for it.

-orty

 

[Tauren]

If there is no box, have him inform any potential employer that contacting his current emploer could put his job in jeopardy. It can really piss-off a current employer to find out that you are looking for a new job.

 

[WordSmith2000]

Tell him to say NOTHING about contacting his current employer! It is the mark of a pure amatuer. Every employer today knows that you do not call the guys current boss and ask for a reference; what do you want to do, piss off the potential employee before he even comes to work for you?

Every boss today also knows that his smartest employees are always looking for a better gig. It is just the way business is done nowadays. Tell your friend not to worry about it.

Just make sure that he is not looking for work while at work. That just tells potential employers that he is a slacker of the worst sort.

If the question comes up in an interview, or on an application, state:

&quot;I would like to handle my transition out of my current employment in as professional a manner as possible. While I know that my current employer would give you a good reference, I would appreciate it if you would wait until after I have come to work with you before you called my ex-boss. That way I can present him with my resignation and help with the transition period before I leave. He should, after all, hear it from me that I am leaving.&quot;

 

[metallibloke]

My advice would be not to put any references on his resume, instead to put something like &quot;References available on request&quot;. That way, by the time they are ready to contact the employer, your friend might be in a better position to tell his current employer. Its quite a common thing over here in the UK, in fact, to some extent its expected, as its always polite to ask the persons permission to put them down as a reference. I dont think there is a safe way of saying &quot;Dont contact them&quot;, without giving people the impression that he is trying to hide something.

 

[BruinGuy]

<< References available on request >>



Thats what I use, it has worked for me.