Expert: Ruth Butler - 10/14/2009

Question
Hello expert.

My current employer's refernce checking policy is to provide title and period of employment and nothing else.  It is handled through Accenture.  My base pay at my current employer is higher than what I told another potential employer (155k vs. 140k).  I did this because my current job situation is very bad and it seems that my base pay is eliminating me from opportunities.  If I indicate on the application not to contact my current employer then they can not do a background check with this employer, correct?  As such, they would not have access to my compensation information, correct?  I have not felt compelled to do this before, and I am feeling very guilty about it though I know people do this often. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Dear Tom:

It is true that if you check not to contact the current employer they cannot.  I would, however, make a note that the reason you have elected to check this is because you do not want to put your present job in jeopardy (even if that is not the case).  Unless you put this note, it looks like you have something to hide which won't work for you either.

Warmly, R. Butler