OT- Job Application

orcoastknitter · 05-11-2007, 12:27 AM

I need some help. I am filling out a job application. I have questions regarding past employers. My last three employers are still in business however management has changed. Do I still list the name of my manager even though I know they don't work there anymore? I haven't had to fill one of these out for a long time. Help?!?!?

ADAllen · 05-11-2007, 05:59 AM

Sort answer: I would suggest you put down the person who was your manager.

Long answer: If they call for a reference and ask for your manager, then the answer is they no longer work here, and (maybe) here is a number you can reach them at. If they call and ask the new manager about you, it won't do you much good because the new manager cannot be a reference. They could say that they never worked with you or they could say they've never heard of you. If the second happens, then your potential employers have to verify that you are not lying on your application

Susan P. · 05-11-2007, 10:59 AM

Always interesting to see approaches. If it were me I would list their name and say something like "Former Manager of....between [and then put years]". Currently contactable at.....

This is a neat concise way of stating the situation so there is no confusion should references be checked.

mulene · 05-11-2007, 12:44 PM

I agree with Susan P. People always move on from jobs at all levels (managers or not) so I'm going to suggest the same as Susan.

If you make it clear its not an issue at all. Its pointless them calling a new manager at your old employer because they will never have met you.

dakatzmeow · 05-11-2007, 01:06 PM

however, they can still speak with HR or personnel and verify your dates of employment, etc.

orcoastknitter · 05-11-2007, 04:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

Why isn't they make the lines to fill in so small now on applications? My printing isn't the best and writing smaller makes it worse. I wish I still had a typewriter.

Stiney · 05-11-2007, 04:15 PM

I usually get the application at the same time as my interview, so I'm nervous, I have to write neatly, and I'm under time pressure.

brendajos · 05-11-2007, 04:49 PM

most companies don't really allow managers to say much about your performance anymore anyway. They just refer everything to HR who just verifies dates of employment it seems. There are some managers who will say things in their voice tone without actually saying anything specific... ya know like the giant pause followed by "umm."....lol

unless it is a small company it is likely just to get referred to HR so yes... go with the manager you know and indicating to them that the person who was there no longer is.

ADAllen · 05-11-2007, 05:26 PM

hehe I've been in a small town for far too long. I wasn't even thinking about an HR department because so few of the business around here have them.

It is way past time for me to move.

orcoastknitter · 05-11-2007, 05:44 PM

Well my past two employers were a local retail store and a private university (back in California). The last number I had for my supervisor at the college is no longer valid. But I did put the number down for the campus I worked at.

The retail store - they have been through 2 managers since I left. I don't know where my old manager went to.

I hate filling these things out