Contacting prior employees

I would go with Nick's suggestion of waiting until after the first interview. At the interview for my previous job, I asked why the previous person had left. I was told he had 'moved onto another department'. I was immediately wary. I decided not totry to contact this person. I got the job and it turned out that my predecessor had had several bust ups with a senior manager and was moved to another department.

Every situation should be weighed on its own merits, and there might be times I'd give this opportunity a pass, but they'd be few. I consider the risk minor compared to what I could find out about what the position really entails (nuts and bolts stuff they won't ever mention at the interview), what the training opportunities might be, whether or not the person moved up as a result of their experience, and most importantly, ammunition to use in securing the position. I'd listen to--but discount--most of what I heard about personal feelings toward the job, because they left the position, after all; and eventually, I'll likely be doing the same. But if my other research didn't answer my question about whether or not I really wanted to workfor the company, I shouldn't be going on the interview in the first place.

Hi,
I am very happy to see your article.
Thanks for nice article..
Sincerely
Murthy

I recently left a very political job and personally knew both of the two leading candidates. One called me, I called the other - and we spoke candidly about the good, the bad and the ugly.

Did it help? Yes, absolutely. One candidate knew the pitfalls and was able to decide he really didn't want the environment, and the other knew more about the job than he otherwise would. They both said it helped.

Just my opinion, but knowing where the problems were in advance helped all around.