If currently employed should I let a potential employer contact them

Question

I recently applied for a new job and sent in my resume. One of the questions was if they could contact my present employer. I put in the application that they could. Was that a bad idea? How does a potential employer view whether or not you want them to contact your current employer? Does it matter?

Answer 1

All this tells a potential employer is whether or not your current employer knows you're looking for other work.  The potential employer may ask about that in an interview, but it's easy to pass it off by saying something like, "I'm interested in pointing my career in a different direction, and didn't want my current emplyer to be offended."  Or something like that.

Unless your current employer knows you're looking, it's usually better to keep a potential from contacting them until you've left on good terms.

Answer 2

if they can't contact them then they will think something is up.

you really don't have a choice.

I'm looking for a job too.

Answer 3

Just tell your current employer that you are currently looking for a new position and tell your supervisor why you are no longer happy at your current place of employment. I am sure that your supervisor would be happy to be a reference. There is no harm in that. Sure he or she will be sad to see you go, but a potential employer would want to know what a fantastic employee you have been to your current employer. So, there is no harm. In fact, it will beat out the competition.

Answer 4

I find it good when someone marks I can contact their current employer.  To me I veiw this as an honest person.  They have informed their current employer that they are looking for another job.  

This helps the potential employer know that if you do decide to leave the new job, you will at least give fair notice (two weeks) and heads up that you are looking.

If you didn't let your current employer know that you are looking, and your potential employer contacts them you could have an interesting remaining time at your job.  Hopefully you gave them a heads up.  It's always good to let your current employer know what you are doing, because you never know if they will counter-offer it with something.