Before applying for references, potential employers must secure permission from whom?

The correct answer is that potential employers must secure permission from the applicant before applying for references. This process is essential to respect the applicant's privacy and confidentiality. When potential employers seek references, they are typically contacting previous employers, colleagues, or other individuals who can provide insights into the applicant's skills, work ethic, and character.

Taking permission from the applicant ensures that they are aware of who is being contacted and can manage their own network effectively. This is not only a best practice in the recruitment process but also aligns with various data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which emphasizes the importance of personal consent when handling personal information.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the standard protocol in the recruitment process for obtaining references. Seeking permission from the local government would not be relevant as they do not play a role in the hiring process. Not requiring permission would violate privacy norms and could lead to trust issues between the employer and the applicant. Finally, while it's often a good practice to inform the current employer, especially if the applicant is still employed and considering a job change, formal permission from the applicant remains essential.