May We Contact This Employer?: Why It Is Asked & How To Answer [With Sample Answers]

Interview questions will always induce some level of stress, but your stress levels might go through the roof if your interviewer asks, “may we contact this previous employer?”

The reason this question is stress-inducing is because of the unknowns that are associated with it. You’re not in control of that situation and don’t know what that employer will say about you.

Fortunately, not all hope is lost. I’m here to help you navigate through this complex yes or no question.

Here’s everything you’ll need to answer this question, “may we contact this employer?”

Why Do Interviewers Ask, “May We Contact This Employer?”

The first thing you’re most likely curious about is why interviewers ask this question. Can’t the interviewer contact your current employer without permission?

Well, yes, but should they? Probably not.

An interviewer is asking this question to confirm if they can get more information about your relationship with that employer.

Contacting a previous employer without your express permission will most likely cause an inconvenience to that employer unless they’re directly listed as a reference and notified ahead of time by you.

Instead, interviewers will ask this question to verify your work history and understand the timeline of your previous employment.

What is the Interviewer Looking For?

The main thing an interviewer wants when you answer this question is confirmation. While a simple yes and no will suffice, you should still add context to your answer, even if it’s small.

Here are a few things the interviewer is looking for when asking you this question.

• Verify employment history: The first thing an interviewer is looking for is to verify your past employment. If you’re listing jobs that you didn’t have, it’ll look really bad on you and look worse on them if they hire you.
• Confirm performance: While it’s easy for you to say how great of a job you did in your past employment, it sounds better coming from the source. Interviewers will look for opportunities to talk to others about you, how you interact with others, and the work you did beforehand.
• If you’ll answer no: Every interviewer is looking for your “no” response. Will you say no, and why? If you say no, the interviewer will want to know why.

How to Answer “May We Contact This Employer?”

You know the basics of the question. Now how do you answer it? You want to respond clearly to this question, typically including a yes or no.

Don’t be vague about whether or not it’s a good idea, but remember to add context. Adding context to your response is extremely important, especially if you say no.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

While your response should remain simple, you still have to watch for a few things. Here’s what you should focus on when answering the question.

• Your composure: The most important thing you want to focus on when answering this question is your composure. Don’t look stunned, surprised, nervous, or caught off guard by the question. You knew it could come up, so collect yourself and ready your response.
• Details: Provide context and details to your answers, not too much, but enough to explain why you said yes or no. If you said no, justify your reasoning logically, and don’t lie about it.
• Stick to yes or no: Don’t tip-toe around the question or be vague with your response by saying things like, “it might not be the best idea” or “I’m not sure.” Be definitive, yes or no, and then add context to support your response.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Now that you know how to respond, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls when answering the question.

Here are the main things you want to avoid when answering the question.

• Don’t make excuses: Whether you answer yes or no, don’t make excuses. Add context and back up your answer, but don’t create excuses on your behalf. For example, don’t say, “Yes, you can, but my previous employer didn’t like me too much and always gave me a hard time.”
• Don’t feel obligated to say yes: Remember, you don’t have to say yes. If you provide the right reasons, the interviewer won’t give your “no” response a second thought. For example, if you’re still employed and don’t want this interview to interfere with your current position.
• Don’t lie about previous employment: This may be the most critical thing to avoid, don’t lie about your previous employment. If you have the proper skill set, there is no need to lie about what you did in your past jobs. Even if they don’t check, don’t risk it.

Examples: How to Answer “May We Contact This Employer?”

Let’s get into the examples since we’ve covered most of the details surrounding the question. Some key things to keep in mind when looking at these examples, you don’t want to look nervous or like you have something to hide.

Stay as honest as possible, don’t make excuses, and don’t feel like you have to say yes. The following examples will give you three different approaches.

From there, you will have an idea of how to go about answering your interview question.

Example 1

“Yes, you absolutely can. My old boss is usually busy during the afternoons, but if you call anytime after four, you should be able to catch them.”

Why This Answer Works

This first response is extremely simple, which adds to its strength.

While technically, the question they’re asking you is a yes or no question, you should still elaborate a tiny bit, even if it’s a simple yes.

This response works really well because it shows that the speaker is completely fine with the interviewer contacting their employer and even encourages it.

The speaker also gives advice about the best time to try and reach their employer. Doing this shows that the speaker has nothing to hide and sees the interviewer contacting their employer as a boon instead of something awful.

Example 2

“You can, but as you know, my previous employer and I didn’t leave on good terms. If you want their side of what happened, feel free to do so; otherwise, I told you everything that happened in our situation.”

Why This Answer Works

This response is risky but can be extremely effective. It’s a great response because it shows there is bad blood between you and your past employer, but it also shows that you’re honest about what transpired.

It can be difficult to answer this question when you aren’t on good terms with a previous employer, but as you can see, it’s not impossible.

The response works so well, too, because of how the speaker holds themself accountable. They don’t deny access to their employer and show honesty and integrity, which is difficult when your reputation is on the line.

Example 3

“Since I’m currently employed with another company, I wouldn’t feel great about you contacting them about this interview. I don’t want them to get the wrong idea, and I’d still like to keep my job if I can’t find something better.”

Why This Answer Works

Saying no to this question will cause anxiety for some people, but we’re all human, and the interviewer will understand why you said no if you provide some context.

Additionally, don’t just say no. It doesn’t look good. Try to explain why you don’t want them to contact your employer. In this response, the speaker makes the “why” clear.

Since they’re still at their current job, it would do the interviewee harm if the interviewer contacts their current employer. Out of respect and understanding, the interviewer will at least become sympathetic to your plea.

Remember, when responding with no, be honest as to why. Give your reasons, even if those reasons are bad, don’t just say no.

Additional Tips for Impressing an Interviewer Asking May We Contact This Employer?

Are you still looking for an extra edge to impress your interviewer? You might have some steep competition, so your concerns may be valid.

If that’s the case, try some of these tips to really make an impression and stand out in your interview.

• Own up to a bad relationship: Don’t deny or hide the fact that you ended things badly with your previous employer. Own up to it and show that you’re responsible enough to handle the consequences and discuss what transpired.
• Insist on calling them now: This is what we call a “power move.” Insist on calling your previous employer now to show the interviewer that you’re not only willing but want them to call. Doing this shows a great deal of confidence, but it’s a tactic that must be used correctly.
• Show confidence: Stay collected, and respond with confidence. Responding with confidence shows you have nothing to hide. When an interviewer asks this question, they’re looking for a visual response, change in posture, tone, and so on.
• Tell a story: When responding, provide some history of you and your employer, hopefully, something positive and lighthearted. Connect with the interviewer by showing them you have had a great relationship and history with that employer.

Additional Questions to be Aware Of

Here are some additional questions that may come up during your interview.

• Explain Why Your Background and Experience are Good for This Job: This question comes up to get a better idea of how your skills in your past positions will translate to this current one.
• What Interests You About This Position?: The interviewer will ask this question to get an idea of what attracts you to this job and why you’re willing to go through the interview process for it.
• Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?: The interviewer wants to know if you were terminated or if you left on your own.
• Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?: This question is asked to get an idea of why or if you’re unhappy with your current employment.
• Why Do You Want This Job?: The interviewer wants to hear the main reason(s) you’re interested in this job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions? Here are some answers.

Wrapping Up

You now have everything you need to dominate this question. Don’t be nervous, don’t lie, and provide just enough detail to get the interviewer to understand your position.

You have to remember that you have every right to say no, and while saying no can reflect badly if not handled properly, the interviewer will surely understand and respect your wishes.

Finally, get a friend and practice in a mock interview. It’s important to stay fresh, and there’s never such a thing as over-preparing. Good luck with your next interview!