Can a recruiter contact my former employers?

When you apply for a job, you share your CV with different people: temporary recruitment consultants, HR managers, or even organizations like Forem. They can all see your professional background. But can a recruiter also contact your former employers to get a reference? The answer is no, unless you give permission!

Sometimes, a recruiter or future employer may want feedback on your work from your previous employers. This is called a “reference.” If you left a job under bad conditions, it’s understandable that you’d prefer your former managers not to be contacted. Fortunately, a recruiter cannot reach out to your previous employers without your prior consent.

A reference can only be requested with your permission

According to personal data protection rules, a recruiter cannot contact your former employers without your permission. This means that, even if they are interested in feedback from them, they cannot call them out of the blue.

If you have listed your former employers’ contact information as references on your CV, the recruiter can contact them. However, they must inform you in advance of when they plan to contact them, giving you the opportunity to notify your former employers if necessary.

Is it wise to ask for references?

During an interview, you will of course highlight your qualities and skills. However, external opinions can be valuable. Therefore, it’s often helpful to prepare references before applying.

• Former employers: If you maintained good professional relationships with a previous employer, you can ask them for a reference. This could be your direct manager, team leader, or even a colleague. Don’t forget to mention your experiences as a student as well.
• Teachers: If you don’t have much professional experience, a teacher or academic manager can be a good alternative. They know your skills and dedication and can testify to your ability to work.