30 Sample Responses to “May We Contact This Employer?”

Last Updated on July 18, 2026 by Status.net Editorial Team

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Question: “May We Contact This Employer?” Part 1
• Answering “May We Contact This Employer” on Written Applications Part 2
• Strategies for Responding Part 3
• Example Answers Part 4
• Impact on the Hiring Process Part 5
• Preparing Your References Part 6
• Best Practices for Including References in Your Job Application Part 7

Part 1Understanding 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.

In some cases, the question is tied to a formal employment verification rather than a full reference conversation. A verification usually confirms only your job title, dates of employment, and sometimes your eligibility for rehire, while a reference check goes further into how you performed and worked with others. Knowing which type of check is likely at your stage in the hiring process can help you decide how much detail to include in your answer.

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.

Formal and Alternate Phrasings You Might See

Not every application uses the same wording. Some forms, especially older or more formal ones, phrase the question in language that can feel a bit stiff or confusing at first glance. Here are a few common variations and what they actually mean:

• “If so, may we inquire of your present employer?” – This is simply asking whether it’s okay to reach out to your current employer, usually as a follow-up to a question about whether you’re currently employed.
• “Have you any objections to our making inquiries of your present or previous employer?” – Another way of asking for your permission before contacting a current or past workplace.
• “Do you have any objections if we contact your previous employer for reference checking?” – This one makes the purpose explicit: they want to run a reference check, not just confirm dates of employment.
• “When may your present employer be contacted?” – This variation assumes you’re comfortable with contact eventually and is asking about timing rather than permission.

You may also come across this question on bilingual application templates, since many standardized forms include an English and Spanish version side by side. The underlying question stays the same in either language: the employer wants your go-ahead before reaching out to a specific employer on your list. If you’re ever unsure what a particular phrasing means, look at the answer choices provided, usually a simple “Yes” or “No,” to confirm what’s actually being asked.

Part 2Answering “May We Contact This Employer” on Written Applications

Many job seekers first encounter this question during a live interview, but it shows up just as often as a written field on job applications and background check forms, typically as a “Yes” or “No” checkbox. Written answers work a little differently than spoken ones, mainly because you usually cannot add context on the spot the way you can in conversation.

Handling the Yes/No Checkbox Format

Plenty of applications ask “May we contact this employer? Yes ☐ No ☐” with no room to elaborate. When you’re filling this out on paper or online:

• If you’re comfortable with contact, check “Yes.” No further explanation is needed.
• If you’re not comfortable with contact right now, check “No.” Most well-designed forms include a short explanation field right after this question.
• If there’s no explanation field and you’re worried a plain “No” might look unfavorable, mention in your cover letter or during the interview that you’d like to discuss timing before that particular employer is contacted.
• Avoid leaving the field blank. Some applicant tracking systems flag incomplete required fields, and a blank answer can be read as a “no” without any explanation at all.

What to Write in the “If No, Please Explain” Box

Keep this box short, factual, and forward-looking. Whoever reviews it isn’t looking for a long story; they want a brief, reasonable explanation. A few examples that tend to land well:

• “I have not yet informed my current employer of my job search.”
• “This position ended more than five years ago and the company has since closed.”
• “I would like to discuss timing before this employer is contacted.”
• “My manager at this company is no longer with them; please contact HR instead.”

Try to avoid anything that sounds evasive or emotional in this box. It’s often the first thing a hiring manager reads before they even get to your interview answers, so a calm, practical tone matters here more than it might feel like it should.

Answering “Current or Most Recent Employer” Fields

Applications often include a separate field asking you to list your current, or most recent, employer. This is a different question from whether they can contact that employer, though the two fields usually sit close together on the form.

• If you’re currently employed, list that job: “[Company Name], [Job Title], [Start date] – Present.”
• If you’re between jobs, list your most recent position instead: “Most recent employer: [Company Name] (ended [Month/Year]).”
• If a separate field asks whether you’re currently employed, answer that honestly. It’s a factual status question, unrelated to whether you’re granting permission to contact anyone.
• If you’re not currently working, it’s fine to write “Not currently employed” or “N/A” in the “current employer” field rather than leaving it blank.

When a form asks for an “employer contact number,” this usually means a general company or HR line rather than a supervisor’s personal cell phone, unless the form specifically requests a direct supervisor contact. If you’re unsure which number to list, the main company line is a safe default.

Part 3Strategies 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.

Some reasons for asking an employer to wait carry more weight than others. Hiring managers tend to accept these as valid, reasonable grounds for declining or delaying contact with a current or past employer:

• You have not told your current employer that you’re job searching, and an unexpected call could put your current position at risk.
• The company has a policy that only its HR department may confirm employment details, and you’d rather the hiring manager go through HR directly.
• You’re still within a probationary period at your current job and want to avoid drawing attention to your search before it ends.
• Your relationship with a specific past manager ended on difficult terms, and a different reference from that same period would give a fairer, more complete picture.
• The business has closed, merged, or changed ownership, making that employer difficult or impossible to reach at all.

Vague reasons, such as simply saying you’d rather not, tend to raise more questions than they answer. Giving even a short, honest explanation goes a long way toward keeping the hiring manager’s trust.

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.

Part 4Example 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?”

Part 5Impact 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.

Reference Checks vs. Employment Verification

It helps to understand that “contacting an employer” can mean two fairly different things. A reference check usually involves a hiring manager or HR representative speaking with a former supervisor about your performance, reliability, and how you worked with others. Employment verification is narrower. It typically confirms your job title, dates of employment, and sometimes salary, and is often handled through an HR department or a third-party verification service rather than by your actual manager.

Many companies now route all verification requests through HR or an outside service rather than letting an individual manager answer questions directly. This distinction matters because saying “no” to a general contact question does not always stop every type of check. If an employer runs a standard background check as part of the hiring process, they might still confirm your dates of employment and title through HR, since that step typically does not require a full reference conversation or your specific approval for that narrower purpose. Understanding this helps you know what declining contact actually protects you from, and what it typically does not.

Part 6Preparing 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.

Part 7Best 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “May we contact this employer?” mean on a job application?

It’s a request for your permission to reach out to a specific employer you’ve listed, usually to confirm your job history or ask about your performance. Answering “yes” means you’re comfortable with that contact happening now. Answering “no” simply means you’d like to wait or handle it differently, and most forms give you a short space to explain why.

What does “If so, may we inquire of your present employer?” mean?

This is a more formal way of asking the same underlying question: is it okay to contact your current employer? It usually follows a question about whether you’re currently employed, and it’s asking for your permission before any outreach happens.

Is it okay to say no when asked if a company can contact your current employer?

Yes, it’s a normal and common answer, especially if you haven’t told your current employer that you’re job searching. Hiring managers generally understand this concern. A brief, honest explanation, such as noting that you haven’t announced your search yet, usually satisfies the question without raising doubts.

What happens if I answer “no” without giving an explanation?

A “no” with no context can leave a hiring manager guessing, which sometimes works against you more than the “no” itself. Even a short reason, like protecting your current job while you search, helps them understand your answer is practical rather than something to worry about.

What if the company I worked for has closed or merged with another business?

Say so directly and offer an alternative. For example: “That company closed a few years ago, but I can provide a former coworker’s contact information instead.” This is a common and easily understood situation, so hiring managers rarely see it as a red flag.

What if my former manager no longer works at that company?

Mention this and suggest another contact, such as a coworker from that time, HR, or a different supervisor who overlapped with you. You can say: “My manager from that role has since left the company. I can connect you with a colleague who worked alongside me instead.”

Can a potential employer contact your current employer without your permission?

Reputable employers typically ask first, which is exactly why this question appears on applications and in interviews. If you have concerns about privacy or timing, it’s worth raising them directly rather than assuming contact will happen automatically.

What’s the difference between a reference check and an employment verification?

A reference check usually involves a conversation about your performance, skills, and work style, often with a former supervisor. An employment verification is narrower and typically just confirms your job title and dates of employment, often handled by HR or a verification service rather than your actual manager.

How should I answer this question if I’m currently unemployed?

If you’re between jobs, list your most recent employer in the “current employer” field and answer honestly if there’s a separate question about current employment status. Since there’s no active employer to protect from an unexpected call, most candidates in this situation are comfortable agreeing to contact for their most recent employer.

What does “current employer” mean if I’m between jobs?

It generally refers to your most recent job, even if you’re not working there anymore. If a form specifically distinguishes between “current” and “most recent,” and you’re not currently employed, it’s fine to write “Not currently employed” and fill in your most recent position separately.

How would your most recent supervisor describe you if contacted?

This is a related interview question that often comes up alongside “may we contact this employer.” It’s worth preparing a short, honest answer that highlights a real strength, such as reliability, problem-solving, or collaboration, ideally backed by a specific example your supervisor would likely mention too.

Is it a red flag to decline contact for every employer I list?

It can raise questions, since hiring managers rely on at least some verifiable history. If you’re declining contact across the board, it helps to offer strong alternative references, such as coworkers, clients, or mentors, so the employer still has a way to learn about your work.