Referees before job offer?

Ellechim

Hi there,

Came across a new one today.

I had a second interview for something last week - today the agent spoke to the hiring manager who said I'm the strongest external candidate but he also has a strong internal candidate. however, he asked the agent to check my references before Wednesday.....

So, what do you reckon - I've been working for twenty years and never asked to check references before making or being made an offer..........

thoughts please? (I did of course contact my referees and they are obliging btw)

dragonfly!

I had an interview today and my ref was checked before hand. I know this because my ex-boss text me to say she had been asked for one at the weekend!

shoppergal

I work in recruitment for a company and our policy is to never make an offer until references are checked.

simply

Had the same last year (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055262876) and was surprised. Never heard about it before but looks like it's becoming commonplace.

M@21

I suppose it depends on the company or agency that you are dealing with.
From my own experience and talking to work colleagues / friends, you get a mixture of reference checking, some during the hiring process and some after the offer has been made.
Personally I wouldn't have an issue with it as it's just a cautious approach.

Good luck with that Job!

Emerald Lass

I would take it as a very positive sign. They have an internal candidate whom they obviously know so know their work attitude etc. They want to compare you to that employee, as they have not previously worked with you they are asking someone who has. If your references are particularly good it may give you an edge, because whilst they know the other candidates strengths, they also know their weaknesses. for you they are only relying on info given by your referee, so if they give you a glowing reference it may push you ahead in the race.

I would see it as very positive, as they are seriously considering you for the position, otherwise they would not bother looking for references.

idontknowmyname

I worked in recruitment for 2 years- mostly standard to do a reference check before an offer. I used to suggest to some clients that I would carry out a reference check on particularly strong candidates before 2nd round if I was 95% certain they'd get the job or if a client wasn't too sure- a really good reference can sway them.

Either way- good sign that they wanted a reference!

Ellechim

Thanks. I've just never come across it before - I know it's a good sign, not a job offer and who knows what might happen with internal politics in terms of internal vs external but it is positive. Fingers crossed!

Shelflife

Think about it, if they offer you a job and only then check your references and find out that you are a raving psycopath that never worked at your references company and just stalked the the MD--- they would feel a bit silly .

i check references first any more, cuts out the weaker candidates before you waste time on interviews.

axer

It was the same for me. I got a job a couple of weeks ago but before they officially offered me the job they asked for references. I gave them to them and then was told officially I got the job. I guess im not a psycho (at least thats what they think :pac:)