Many times, when filling out applications online or in-person, you may be asked to list your current employer.
These forms generally need specific information from the individual and can include previous employers, current mailing address, and your full legal name.
The meaning of current employer simply means the employer where you currently work.
So, if you work for XYZ Company, that would be your current employer.
However, if you worked for XYZ Company and no longer work there or at that company, then you would not list them.
If an application asks for your current employer and you are currently unemployed or in-between jobs, then you can leave that section blank.
You do not want to lie or list an employer that you currently do not work for as that is fraud and could disqualify you from the application.
Your current employer should always be listed as your current place of employment.
Generally, it should not matter as to the length of time that you have been employed by that particular employer.
Whether you have been employed there for one-day or ten-years, that company will remain your current employer.
What If A Job Application Wants To Contact My Current Employer?
If a job application is asking who your current employer is, you should feel safe and secure in providing them with that information.
However, if you are asked on a job application if they can reach out to your current employer, I would recommend that you say no.
It is not uncommon for candidates to refuse to allow potential employers to reach out to their current employers and will not affect your chances at landing the interview or the position.
The reason why you do not want to allow potential employers to reach out to your current employer is because your current employer likely does not know that you are looking or interviewing at other companies or organizations.
By allowing another employer or company to reach out to your current employer, you risk your current employer finding out that you are looking at other positions.
While this is not inherently wrong, and definitely not illegal, it can cause friction and conflict at your current employer.
Your current employer will know that you are looking elsewhere and may begin to give you less work and look to replace you.
In addition, if you do not get an offer from the potential employer, you risk burning bridges at your current employer.
You should always look to keep your interviewing and job hunt process a secret.
Do not let anyone in the office or any coworkers or colleagues of yours know that you are looking to resign soon.
Though you may be on friendly terms, letting a colleague know that you are looking can cause conflict and resentment.
You should only let people at work know about a new employer once the job offer has been made and a start date has been set.
