Job application forms

On job application forms they sometimes ask if they may contact previous employers for a reference prior to an interview.

Should an applicant say 'yes', and how can this be turned into an advantage?

I suspect this is a way of whittling down the number of applicants who reach the interview stage by eliminating those who've already answered "no"?

If that is the case then the answer would be "yes".

I would never agree to a prospective employer contacting a present employer until I had been offered a job.

Frankly, I wouldn't want to work for any organisation that was so indiscreet.

Although dutchman may be quite correct. My thoughts were along the lines of rebbonk.

I think it is unfair to contact a candidates employer before an interview, especially if that person does not want his boss to know he is seeking another job.

Depending on the timing (like just before an appraisal or salary review) something like this could cost you heavily.