Should I check contact former employer for a job if..

**Kyn** · 05-26-2010, 12:01 PM

If my previous job has be listed on the seperation notice as "terminated due to job performance" (even though it was probably a layoff done as a termination) should I put NO on the questions "may we contact your former employer?". Will that make the application look bad or be a red flag to an potential employer? I have never been sure.

Any suggestions?

**frugalfranny** · 05-26-2010, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Kyn

If my previous job has be listed on the seperation notice as "terminated due to job performance" (even though it was probably a layoff done as a termination) should I put NO on the questions "may we contact your former employer?". Will that make the application look bad or be a red flag to an potential employer? I have never been sure.

Any suggestions?

I wouldn't put no......but then you know the specifics around the termination. If it was a true 'firing' then I would put will discuss or some such thing..........."terminated due to job performance" is pretty specific and it sounds like you are disagreeing with it....you might want your chance to explain this BEFORE they contact the employer.

If you had rec'd no bad evaluations.......state this. Missing a few links in your question to say much.........

Many employers will terminate with this lingo thinking they will avoid unemployment taxes being raised......or at least it will make you appeal it to get it.

**Greebo** · 05-26-2010, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Kyn

If my previous job has be listed on the seperation notice as "terminated due to job performance" (even though it was probably a layoff done as a termination) should I put NO on the questions "may we contact your former employer?". Will that make the application look bad or be a red flag to an potential employer? I have never been sure.

Any suggestions?

Total honesty is the best approach. If your previous employer claimed poor performance when you have reason to believe they were really just trying to avoid paying severance or some such, then present that on your application as explanation for *why* you don't want them to call the old employer.

**lparker** · 05-26-2010, 12:44 PM

Don't lie, even if your former employer did. Explain your side of the story if you can.

**Kyn** · 05-26-2010, 12:45 PM

Thanks, that is all great advice. I will definately take it to heart.

**beks37** · 05-26-2010, 12:49 PM

I generally check yes to contact a previous employer no matter the reason of termination. The only time I checked no was when the company I worked for went out of business.

I'm pretty sure the previous employer can't tell the prospective employer anything bad when they call for a reference. At least that is what I have heard.

**Greebo** · 05-26-2010, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by beks37

I generally check yes to contact a previous employer no matter the reason of termination. The only time I checked no was when the company I worked for went out of business.

I'm pretty sure the previous employer can't tell the prospective employer anything bad when they call for a reference. At least that is what I have heard.

You've heard wrong.

They can say whatever they want. They generally don't because they wish to avoid any potential libel or slander lawsuits - not because they would lose (they wouldn't) but because they're a headache.

**Greebo** · 05-26-2010, 01:00 PM

References FAQ

More info on past employer references.

**shoiji** · 05-26-2010, 03:00 PM

I would go with being honest on the job application and resume. It really is a small world out there.

**cocoasensations** · 06-11-2010, 04:22 AM

My friend also experienced this...she was terminated but what stated on the separation notice is she resigned...

**vitamin supplement** · 06-11-2010, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Kyn

If my previous job has be listed on the seperation notice as "terminated due to job performance" (even though it was probably a layoff done as a termination) should I put NO on the questions "may we contact your former employer?". Will that make the application look bad or be a red flag to an potential employer? I have never been sure.

Any suggestions?

To me, I think as long as the work environment was good with you, and the relationship with you and your boss is good, it may be a good idea. However, in general I would say No for sure.

So yeah, I'd say No.