Prior employment: Overview, definition, and example
What is prior employment?
Prior employment refers to a person’s previous work experience, including the jobs they held, the companies they worked for, and the skills and responsibilities they gained during those positions before their current employment. It includes all the relevant positions held by an individual, including full-time, part-time, contractual, or freelance work that occurred prior to their current employment situation.
Employers often review an applicant’s prior employment to assess their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role they are applying for. This helps employers determine if the applicant has the necessary skills and experience for the job.
Why is prior employment important?
Prior employment is important because it provides insight into an individual’s professional background, work habits, skills, and achievements. It allows employers to evaluate a candidate’s track record and to determine whether the experience they gained from previous positions is transferable to their current role.
For job seekers, prior employment history is a crucial aspect of their resume or job application. It highlights their career progress and demonstrates the value they can bring to a potential employer. Prior employment can also help to establish trust and credibility by providing references or verification of past responsibilities and accomplishments.
Understanding prior employment through an example
Imagine you are applying for a managerial position in a retail company. As part of the hiring process, the company asks you to provide details about your prior employment, including your past roles, the companies you worked for, and the responsibilities you had. You list your prior positions as follows:
- Store Manager at ABC Retail: Managed a team of 20 employees, achieved sales targets, and implemented store operations strategies for 3 years.
- Sales Associate at XYZ Mall: Provided customer service, managed inventory, and assisted with merchandising for 2 years.
This prior employment helps the hiring company evaluate your qualifications for the managerial role, as it demonstrates that you have experience in retail management, leadership, and achieving business objectives.
In another scenario, a candidate applying for an administrative position might list their prior employment in various office roles, such as an administrative assistant or office manager, which directly shows their familiarity with office management, scheduling, and administrative tasks.
Example of prior employment clause
Here’s an example of what a prior employment clause might look like in a job application or employment agreement:
“The Employee represents that the information provided in their employment application, including details about prior employment, is accurate. The Employee agrees to notify the Employer of any material changes to their employment history. The Employer may verify prior employment details to assess the suitability of the Employee for the position.”
Conclusion
Prior employment is a key component of a person’s professional history and plays a vital role in the hiring process. For employers, understanding an applicant’s prior employment helps assess their qualifications and fit for the role, while for job seekers, it demonstrates their skills, experience, and professional growth. Accurately presenting prior employment can provide valuable context about an individual’s career trajectory and readiness for the next career step.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.