Permission to contact previous employers

MrCreosote

Our application asks, in the employment history section, whether it is okay for us to contact each previous employer. It just evolved that way through the years and never caused a concern, until someone actually checked "no" for a job five years ago. I understand why we would include that question for current employer, but there is no reason to include it for prior employers, is there?

Hunter1

Well, I can see why the applicant might want you to retain that option, but I certainly wouldn't keep it on the application. What's a background check if you're precluded from checking the applicant's background?

Don D

I think you should change it to ask only about the current employer. Or take the question out altogether and use the good judgement to NOT contact present employer. I don't know of anyone who contacts PRESENT employer, but everybody checks PRIOR employers, each of them if they're smart. Using the form you have, I would not hire anybody who indicated they did not want employers checked with.

Leslie

Ours does too - and then the applicant has to sign for authorization to have a SERIOUS background check completed - quite the connundrum. So, I'm thinking I need to remove it also!

Don D

- quite the connundrum.
>

Leslie; I am impressed. First it was NASCAR, then a 5th wheel in the mountains, now CONNUNDRUM. You are indeed multifaceted.

Leslie

I'm hurt no one noticed before...

neveradull

I would leave it as you have it, then ask the applicant why they marked no. Most often they will give you a reason which can aid in your selection process.
The most common response I have received is "the company is no longer in business". On the other hand I have received "because everyone there hated me and made me quit".