"May we contact this (prior/current) employer?" (employment, alternative, application)

[jakabedy]

I was just musing over this box that must be checked on virtually any employment application. Clearly, for a current employer, it makes sense to ask that a future employer not contact them, hence the news of one's job search reach them earlier than one would like. It's a courtesy. But when it comes to prior employers . . . is my checking "no" on this box really going to dissuade a potential employer from contacting that prior employer? Is there really any permission needed for them to do so? Aren't they free to contact anyone they'd like, with it being up to that prior employer to respond however the company dictates they should respond? So isn't a "no" on that box for some prior employer simply a red flag that there was likely a less than amicable parting? And might it simply make a potential employer curious about what exactly went wrong?

Just some thoughts.

[jaypee]

I take it as a "No" until I say "Yes" by signing a background check consent form.

[ackmondual]

I don't have alot of in-depth knowledge about this... just what I've read up like everyone else. AFAIK, saying "no" to a position that isn't current isn't necessarily a death sentence. What's the alternative, say "yes" and hope they'll call your bluff? I don't know what laws are about this (probably varies per state too), but unless there are strict laws that say otherwise, they may call your "No's" anyways as part of their checks. Hopefully, companies will know that when someone leaves a previous company or was fired, there's usually 2 sides to every story.

[pvande55]

If still employed and not under a layoff order, no. If the company went out of business, also no. Otherwise, yes.