I am applying for positions with a company in an industry that does not compete with my current employer (current is a software company for pipelines, prospective is health care). The question "Have you signed and are currently subject to an existing or prior non-compete agreement?" is part of every application for every position I have seen with this employer.
There are other major competitors for the prospective employer in the area and I'm wondering if they mean a non-compete that would interfere with hiring me, or any non-compete at all. To this point I have taken the full honesty approach and said "Yes".
Should I call their HR department directly and ask for clarification?