Past jobs dont exist anymoreOkay, new problem. A few places I’ve applied to have no paper application mechanism. So, I’ve had to go through their online applications process. I’m fine with that. But on both the jobs I list where I have relevant experience, I’m asked if they can contact them. I have to click either yes or no. I click the “No” radio button. Unfortunately, there’s no field to explain why I’m saying no. For both of those particular jobs, the places don’t exist anymore. On one, the hotel was bought out by another chain and all the employees—including the GM—have gone on to other things. It’s been over a decade. I have no idea where they are now. As to the other job, I worked for multiple locations while this particular chain was in. But then, the chain was bought out by another chain and left the market altogether. Once again, there’s no one left to contact. But my answer to the question “can we contact them” is just a stark “No,” which makes it seem like I’m hiding something. It seems like I can’t win. Answer One: Why don't you just click the "yes" and see what happens. On regular paper applications, there is not always a spot to explain the reason. And, generally, references aren't checked unless until the stage of the process right before hire. If they want to know if you are simply telling the truth about the fact you worked there, then there are other ways to accomplish this. Answer Two: Every on-line application that I have seen, anyway, has a box for the "reason for leaving". If you type in that box "company buy out/job downsized, then the "no, you can't contact" makes a little more sense. Answer Three: If they don't provide space for "reason for leaving", then look for a box that is titled "Additional Information". Explain in this box about the company's and their non-existant status. Say yes. That says it is ok with you if you contact them. That they cannot do so is not the question they' re asking. I think applications just ask for your "Permission to contact current employer." Other employers do not want you to get in trouble with current. Some employers could use it to terminate or discipline you, which is very unfair, but its done.
Hmmm... that is something I've never been plagued by. I always try to not let anything of real value to turn them one way or the other out until I'm in front of them w/plenty of time to explain,etc.
Definitely avoid clicking NO if at all possible. I can almost guarantee you the majority of employers who get a NO response automatically toss your application aside. They assume you must have something to hide. Checking YES will do no harm if they no longer exist. If a new company has bought the old one, you could consider listing that new company' s info. A call to them would explain that the company was under different ownership during your period of employment. While not too helpful in retrospect, keeping in touch with previous supervisors or some member of management from previous employers is a great asset for future job searches. I have kept in touch with at least one person from each of my previous employers. My first employer out of college, which was also the company where I worked the longest time, was sold a few years after I left them in 2002. I had a great relationship with the Controller there and she has provided my reference for that company any time I' ve needed it. I clearly state on the application or on my reference list what her title was at the old company and, for posterity sake, her title and position now (she' s now a CFO at a reputable company so it looks good on paper). In lieu of a supervisor or management employee at a previous company, is there any former co-worker you could track down? He/she might be willing to give you a good or neutral reference as well and that would be better than no reference at all. If you get an interview for one of the companies where you checked a YES for a company no longer in existence, go to the interview prepared with a few personal references. You can explain that those companies no longer exist, but you can provide several additional references who can vouch for your character and personality. When choosing these references, try to use people who have either highly respected jobs (ministers, charitable organizations, law enforcement, teachers) or who have interacted with you in a working environment of some kind (the old lady whose lawn you mowed for years is better than no one). Early in my career, I landed a job because of the glowing reference given by the guy who was Project Coordinator for a Habitat for Humanity house I helped build during college. Be creative without ever being dishonest. | |
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Career Tips
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