What does it mean when a job application asks for employer name?

Learn what to enter under “employer name” on job applications and how this information is utilized by hiring managers. Understand the significance of providing accurate past employer details to enhance your application.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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By Douglas Wade, Attorney

Email | Call (800) 484-4610

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What Does Employer Name Mean in the Context of a Job Application?

3. Why Do Employers Want a List of Your Employer Names?

4. What Should I Write in the Employer Name Field on a Job Application?

5. What Should I Write Under Employer Name If I Was Self-Employed?

6. How Do You Write the Employer Name and Role if You Had Multiple Roles Within a Company?

7. Should I Include Internships or Voluntary Work in the Employment History Section of the Job Application?

8. How Do You Write Your Employment History and Employer Names If You Haven’t Worked Before?

Introduction

Job applications have a seemingly never-ending list of questions. Some of them are straightforward, and some of them may be more complex. It is important to understand what each of the questions means so that you can answer them properly in your job application. This article will look at what it means when a job application asks for an employer name and how that information is used by a hiring manager.

What Does Employer Name Mean in the Context of a Job Application?

When you are filling out a job application, there will be a section for your previous work experience. In this section, you will be asked to list the names of companies you have worked for. These fields will be labelled as “employer name.”

If you have an extensive work history or the form limits the number of employers you can list, then prioritize the employer names of the most recent or relevant work history. This goes for both paper job applications and online job application portals.

Why Do Employers Want a List of Your Employer Names?

Hiring managers have many reasons for wanting your former employers’ names:

To check your employment history – Providing your former employer names allows the hiring manager to verify the accuracy of the information you have provided. They can check the employer names and employment dates on your job application against the information you provided on your resume. (As opposed to errors or mistypes.)
To see if you have sufficient experience for the role – Some job postings list minimum experience required for serious consideration for the role. One of the first things that a hiring manager will check is if your work history matches the minimum experience required for the role. To do that, they’ll check the employer names and job titles listed on your job application. Make sure you get details like employer names, employment dates, and job titles correct because your related experience will give you an advantage in the hiring process.
To check your references – Hiring managers will often call your previous employers to check that your work history is accurate. They will check the dates and roles you had with each of the employer names you have listed. While checking references, the hiring manager may ask for feedback on what you were like as an employee. Each employer has different policies about whether they do or do not give feedback. Ensure that you provide the correct employer names and contact numbers so the hiring manager can check references if necessary.

What Should I Write in the Employer Name Field on a Job Application?

Each company will have a different job application form. Some job applications will have a separate field for employer names for your current job. Some job applications will ask you to list all employer names and indicate which is the employer name of your current job. Read the job application form to see what the process for listing current and former employer names is.

When listing employer names on your job application, make sure you write the full employer name (rather than a nickname or shortened name.) This avoids any confusion on the hiring manager’s side and it looks more professional to use the full employer name.

What Should I Write Under Employer Name If I Was Self-Employed?

There are a number of ways you can approach showing you were self-employed when detailing your employment history or employer name on the job application.

The first option is you could write your business’s name as the employer name. Then, under the field for the role, you could write founder or owner. Alternatively, if the role you performed is relevant, you could list a dual role. For example, owner and lead graphic designer.

The second option is under the employer name; you could write self-employed. Under the role, you would then describe the type of work you do. For example, freelance graphic designer.

How Do You Write the Employer Name and Role if You Had Multiple Roles Within a Company?

If you have worked in more than one role in the same company – either because you moved into a different role or got promoted, then you should indicate that on your job application. The process will vary depending on the employer’s job application form. Some online forms may enable you to add extra positions under the same employment name, similar to LinkedIn’s job history. On others, you might need to add the same employer name multiple times for each job role you held with that employer. If that’s the case, make sure you list each job position chronologically so the hiring manager can see your progression within that company.

Should I Include Internships or Voluntary Work in the Employment History Section of the Job Application?

Most job applications have separate sections to allow you to list any internships or voluntary work. If the job application you are filling out does, then list that experience there. It follows a similar pattern of adding the company name under the employer name and then giving information about your role and the dates you worked there.

If there is no separate section for internships and voluntary work, then you can put them in with your employment history. Again, put the company name under employer name and list your role and dates. Ensure that it is clear that your role was an internship or volunteer role so there is no confusion. For example, you might put web designer (volunteer) or graphic design internship.

Your full positions will be weighted more unless your internship and volunteer positions are relevant to the job you are applying to.

How Do You Write Your Employment History and Employer Names If You Haven’t Worked Before?

If you are applying for your first job, then you have no employers to list under employer names. You can list any volunteer positions or work experience in the employment history. Alternatively, you could list any organizing or leadership positions you have taken at school, clubs, sports, or religious institutions. These will allow you to show your transferrable skills and show that you have people skills.

You can discuss these experiences further in your resume and cover letter to show how you demonstrated these skills. A job application often will not ask for the highlights of each role; it is focused on getting your employment history and past employer names and, therefore, seeing your experience.

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