References and Job Offers?

route9

Hi guys,

Just a quick one. I have been offered a new position with a large company. Everything looks great, and I have been sent some paperwork to fill out which includes details of people they can contact as references. It has been a while since I started a new job - is it the case that they wait until after you sign your contract to contact your references?

I would have thought that this is something they would have crossed off the list before making the offer?

It also says that the contract can be terminated if they aren't fully happy with the reference check. That would be pretty disastrous if someone gave you a so-so review?! I am happy with my own ones, but it seems like it would be a recipe for disaster to tell everyone you had the job and then be sent packing if an ex-boss gave you a luke-warm review?

Just wondering!

Finally, is it better to add a past manager as a referee, a co-worker, or the HR manager? Or does it matter...?

Thanks.

Bandana boy

If it is a positive experience reference they want then I expect they will require a Manager and not a colleague.

I have worked where the reference check was done after contract was signed.
In my case the reference checks was to verify the detail on the CV not seeking an opinion on the employee .
The way to fail (because a subsequent employee failed for one of these ) was having a job on the CV you did not work or a qualification you did not have ,something along those lines. In this case HR department rather than Manager would suffice.

route9

Bandana boy wrote: »

If it is a positive experience reference they want then I expect they will require a Manager and not a colleague.

I have worked where the reference check was done after contract was signed.
In my case the reference checks was to verify the detail on the CV not seeking an opinion on the employee .
The way to fail (because a subsequent employee failed for one of these ) was having a job on the CV you did not work or a qualification you did not have ,something along those lines. In this case HR department rather than Manager would suffice.

Thanks very much, that's very helpful.

There is no indication that it is a positive experience reference, it is just a form to fill out with details on the job, dates worked and referee name / details.

I am guessing it is mainly for verification purposes, since I had a lot of interviews and I have a lot of experience in the field with evidence of this online and testimonials on LinkedIn from past managers and colleagues.

Given there is no real indication, I would say a HR department referee and then maybe a manager referee would be fine?

I would say it's just to check my work history matches with what I've said, after a long interview process it's hard to imagine that you would fail based on say someone giving a middling-to-fair review of your work.

Ray Palmer

Most places only give so so references now due to the legal impact of a reference. Some companies will only confirm a person worked on particular dates. A reference is nowhere near as important as it once was as result.

route9

One other quick question guys. If putting down a HR manager from a job you left two and a half years ago as a referee, should you notify them that they may get a call, or is it strictly necessary since it may only be a quick verification thing?

I'd say notify them but not sure, especially since they are HR and not a past manager or colleague you worked with directly.

Ray Palmer

Always inform somebody they will be rang about a reference.

route9

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Always inform somebody they will be rang about a reference.

Cheers Ray, that's what I would have thought myself alright.