Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. You might feel extra anxious when asked, “May we contact this employer?” It’s a common question that catches many job seekers off guard. Related: 5 Examples: Securing Job References Effectively and Who Makes a Good Job Reference? Selecting the Right People
Your response to this question can affect your chances of getting hired. It’s important to know what to say and how to say it. Let’s look at some example answers and tips to help you handle this tricky interview question.
Understanding the Question: “May We Contact This Employer?”
Why Employers Ask This Question
Employers ask to contact your previous workplace for a few reasons. They want to check if you really worked there and learn about your job performance. This helps them make sure you’re honest and a good fit for the job.
You might feel nervous about this question if you left your last job on bad terms. But don’t worry – there are ways to handle it well.
Employers also ask this to see how you talk about past jobs. They look for clues about your work attitude and how you handle tough situations.
Different Scenarios and Contexts
Your answer might change based on your situation. If you’re still at your current job, you could say:
“I’m still employed there, so I’d prefer you not contact them yet. I haven’t told them I’m job hunting.”
If you left on good terms, you might say:
“Yes, feel free to contact my previous employer. My manager, Jane Smith, can be reached at 555-1234.”
For a job you left years ago, you could say:
“That was several years ago, and I’m not sure if my old manager still works there. But I can give you contact info for a coworker from that time.”
If you had issues with a past job, try:
“I’d prefer you speak with my other references first. I can explain more about that situation if needed.”
It’s okay to ask for some control over when and how they contact your old jobs.
Strategies for Responding
When You Agree to Provide Contact
Agreeing to let potential employers contact your references shows confidence and transparency. You can say:
- “Yes, you’re welcome to contact my current employer.”
- “I’d be happy for you to speak with my supervisor.”
- “Please feel free to reach out to my manager.”
- “Go ahead and contact them – I’m sure they’ll give positive feedback.”
- “Absolutely, I have nothing to hide and welcome the reference check.”
Be ready to provide your reference’s name, title, and contact information. You might want to give your references a heads-up that they may receive a call. This allows them to prepare and ensures they’re not caught off guard.
How to Decline Politely
Sometimes, you may not want a potential employer to contact your current workplace. You could say:
- “I’d prefer if you didn’t contact my current employer at this stage.”
- “Could we hold off on contacting them until we’re further along in the process?”
- “I haven’t informed my current employer of my job search yet.”
- “I’m not comfortable with you contacting my current employer right now.”
- “Can we discuss this once an offer is on the table?”
When declining, explain your reasons briefly. You might worry about jeopardizing your current position or maintaining confidentiality. Offer to provide other references or suggest contacting them at a later stage in the hiring process.
Offering Alternative References
If you can’t or don’t want to provide contact for a specific employer, suggest alternatives. You can say:
- “I can provide references from previous positions instead.”
- “Would you like to speak with my clients or colleagues?”
- “I have letters of recommendation I can share with you.”
- “My former supervisor at Company X would be happy to speak with you.”
- “I can connect you with my team lead from my last project.”
Think about who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Former coworkers, mentors, or clients might be good options. Make sure to ask these people beforehand if they’re willing to be a reference for you.
Example Answers
Positive Circumstances
You can say:
- “Yes, please feel free to contact my previous employer.”
- “I’m happy for you to speak with my current supervisor.”
- “My former manager would be glad to provide a reference.”
- “You’re welcome to reach out to any of my past employers.”
- “I’ve had great relationships with all my employers, so contact anyone you’d like.”
- “My last job ended on good terms, so you can definitely contact them.”
- “I’m confident my previous boss will give a positive reference.”
- “Please contact my current employer – they know I’m job hunting.”
- “I’ve let my past employers know you might call.”
- “You’ll get a good sense of my work by talking to any of my former supervisors.”
Complex Situations
You might want to say:
- “I’d prefer if you contact me first before reaching out to my current employer.”
- “My most recent job was short-term. My previous long-term employer would be a better reference.”
- “I’m still employed, so could we wait to contact them until later in the process?”
- “My last manager left the company. Could I provide a different reference instead?”
- “I had some conflicts with my previous employer. Maybe we could discuss this further?”
- “The company I worked for closed down. I can provide other professional references.”
- “My last job was several years ago. Would more recent personal references be helpful?”
- “I’m not on the best terms with my current employer. Can I offer alternative references?”
- “My previous job was in a different field. Would you like contacts more relevant to this position?”
- “I signed a non-disclosure agreement. Could we talk about how to handle reference checks?”
Impact on the Hiring Process
How References Influence Decisions
Reference checks help employers learn about your skills and work style. They give a fuller picture of you as a job candidate. Good references can boost your chances of getting hired. They confirm what you’ve said in your resume and interview.
Bad references or no references at all might make employers think twice about hiring you.
Interpreting Employer Responses
When you say yes to contacting a past employer, it shows you’re open and confident. This can make a good impression. If you say no, employers might wonder why.
You could explain your reasons:
“I haven’t told my current boss I’m job hunting.”
“That company closed down, so there’s no one to contact.”
Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings. It keeps the hiring process moving smoothly.
Red Flags for Hiring Managers
Some answers might worry hiring managers. These include:
- Refusing to let them contact any past employers
- Changing the subject when asked about references
These actions can make you seem untrustworthy. They might think you’re hiding something bad.
Being honest is key. If you had problems with a past job, it’s better to explain briefly. You could say:
“I left that job on difficult terms, but I’ve learned from the experience.”
This shows growth and honesty, which many employers value.
Preparing Your References
Selecting Appropriate References
Pick people who know your work well and can speak to your strengths. You might ask:
- A former boss who supervised you directly
- A coworker you collaborated with on projects
- A client you worked closely with
Aim for 3-5 references. Make sure they’re from recent jobs when possible. (Don’t use family members as references.)
Coaching Your References
Let your references know when you’re job hunting. Give them a heads-up about potential calls. You could:
- Send them your current resume
- Remind them of key projects you worked on together
- Tell them what skills the new job needs
This helps them give relevant info to employers who may contact them.
Maintaining Professional Relationships
Stay in touch with past coworkers and bosses. You can:
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Send occasional emails to check in
- Meet for coffee once in a while
This keeps your network strong. It also means you’ll have people to ask for references when you need them.
Remember to thank your references after they help you. A quick note or small gift shows you value their time and support.
Best Practices for Including References in Your Job Application
When to Include References
You might want to add references to your application if the job posting asks for them. Some companies request references right away, while others wait until later in the hiring process.
It’s a good idea to have a list of references ready, even if you don’t send them with your initial application. This way, you’re prepared when an employer asks for them.
Choose references who can speak positively about your work skills and experience. Former bosses, coworkers, or teachers are often good choices.
Let your references know you’d like to list them. This gives them a heads-up that they might get a call about you.
Formatting Your Reference List
Create a separate document for your references. Title it “References” at the top.
For each reference, include:
- Full name
- Job title
- Company name
- Phone number
- Email address
You could also add a brief note about how you know each person.
Keep your reference list simple and easy to read. Use a clear font like Arial or Times New Roman.
Stick to 3-5 references. Too many can overwhelm the hiring manager.
Make sure your reference list matches the style of your resume and cover letter. This creates a professional-looking application package. Related: 3 Examples: Crafting a Reference Page for Employment