If a candidate is "reaching", "tuning" or "shading" their resume, they will frequently tell you not to contact a current employer. Candidates are advised that this makes them appear more valuable within an organization. They are advised to check a "no" box even if they are not currently employed. The theory behind this is that a candidate who is currently employed is a more desirable prospect than one who is unemployed. A candidate may also say "no" to contacting a current employer especially if they list that they are currently working for a major competitor. The hiring companies love to "steal" current employees from another firm or competitor. Because they checked no to calling that current employer, you as a hiring manager or HR service person may never check to see if that person ever did work with that company. A hiring company rarely will follow up on a job candidates' application or resume once that person has been hired with their company. It is recommended that if you hire someone who indicated "no" on a job application to contacting current, that this employer be called once an offer has been made to the candidate or the candidate starts working with your company. If you had your candidate fill out a job application, and later you find that the candidate never did work for that current employer that was listed, you will be able to take action based on the falsification of the application that was submitted to you. It is always a good idea to follow up on current employment verification once an offer has been made or a candidate starts with your company.