May We Contact This Employer? How To Answer
When filling out a job application, you may come across the question: “May we contact this employer?” While this may seem like a straightforward question, the answer isn’t always as simple as “yes” or “no.” Your response can impact how a potential employer perceives you, so it’s important to answer strategically.
In this article, we’ll discuss why employers ask this question, when to say “yes” or “no,” and how to professionally phrase your response.
Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
Potential employers ask for permission to contact your current or previous employers to:
- Verify your work history and job responsibilities. Employers want to ensure that the information on your resume and application is accurate, including job titles, dates of employment, and duties performed.
- Assess your performance, reliability, and professional conduct. Speaking to a former employer helps hiring managers gauge your strengths, work ethic, and overall contributions in a professional setting.
- Gain insight into how you interact with colleagues and supervisors. Your previous employer may provide valuable feedback about your teamwork, communication skills, leadership abilities, and how well you fit into workplace culture.
While many employers expect to check references, they also recognize that not all applicants are comfortable with their current employer knowing about their job search. For this reason, most hiring managers understand when candidates request that their current employer not be contacted. However, they may still seek verification from other references or previous employers to ensure they make an informed hiring decision.
When to Say “Yes”
If you have a positive relationship with a past employer and believe they will provide a good reference, it’s usually beneficial to say “yes” to “May we contact this employer?” A strong endorsement from a former supervisor can give you a competitive edge by reinforcing your qualifications and confirming the skills you’ve listed on your resume.
Additionally, if you’re not currently employed or have already given notice at your current job, granting permission is typically not an issue. In fact, withholding permission in these cases may raise concerns for the hiring manager, making them wonder if there’s something to hide.
Another scenario where saying “yes” is beneficial is when a former employer has a well-regarded reputation in your industry. A good recommendation from a respected company can enhance your credibility and make you a more attractive candidate.
When to Say “No” to “May We Contact This Employer?”
There are valid reasons to decline employer contact, including:
- You are currently employed. Many job seekers prefer to keep their job search confidential to avoid workplace tension or retaliation. If your employer learns you are looking elsewhere, it could impact your job security or work environment. Most hiring managers understand this concern and will accept alternative references instead.
- You left under difficult circumstances. If your departure was not on good terms, you may not want an employer to hear a negative review. This could include situations where you were let go, had conflicts with management, or experienced a toxic work environment. In these cases, it’s best to provide alternative references who can speak positively about your skills and experience.
- The employer is no longer in business. If a past employer has closed down, there’s no one to contact, making it impossible to verify your employment directly. In such cases, you may need to rely on old offer letters, pay stubs, or colleagues who can confirm your experience.
- You don’t have a direct supervisor to vouch for you. If the only available contact had little to no interaction with you, their reference may not be valuable. This is especially true if your supervisor has left the company, or if HR representatives do not provide detailed feedback. In such instances, providing a former colleague or another manager who worked closely with you may be a better option.
How to Phrase Your Response
If you prefer not to allow contact but still want to remain in consideration for the job, here are professional ways to phrase your response:
- For a current employer:
- “No, my current employer is not aware of my job search. I’m happy to provide other references.”
- For a past employer where you had a negative experience:
- “I prefer that my previous employer not be contacted, but I can provide other professional references.”
- For a company that is no longer in business:
- “This employer is no longer in operation, but I can verify my experience through other means.”
Alternative References
If you don’t want an employer contacted, be proactive in offering alternative references, such as:
- Former supervisors or colleagues from other jobs.
- Clients or vendors you worked with.
- A mentor or professional contact who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.
Final Thoughts
Answering “May we contact this employer?” doesn’t have to be stressful. While being open about past jobs can work in your favor, there are plenty of valid reasons to say no and employers understand that. It’s important to be professional and prepared and if you decline, have solid alternative references ready to go. Ultimately, your response should align with your best interests while keeping the hiring process smooth.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.
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