Yes, you can choose not to mention your current startup employer when applying for a new job, but it may not be the best practice. Here's why:
- Transparency: Being open and honest about your work history can help build trust with your potential employer. If they find out later, it could lead to issues.
- Employment Verification: Many companies verify employment history. If they find a discrepancy between what you've reported and their findings, it could jeopardize your chances of getting the job.
- Skills and Experience: Even if your current job is at a startup, the skills and experiences you've gained there could be valuable to your prospective employer.
If you still choose not to mention your current employer, here's how to mitigate potential issues:
- Gap in Employment: You could explain the gap in your employment by saying you took a career break. However, be prepared to justify this in an interview.
- Reference Check: If possible, provide references that can vouch for your employment during the stated period.
- Legal Aspects: Be aware that lying about your employment history can have legal implications if discovered, especially if your employment contract with the startup has a clause against it.
Remember, it's always best to be honest about your employment history. If there were issues with your startup employer, you can tactfully address them during the interview process.