Reference checking

Elessar

Does anyone have any idea of how reference checking is done these days when offered a job? Is it normally after an offer has been made (subject to references) or before? I'm specifically speaking about IT.

sozbox

Usually done after an offer is extended. i.e. offer subject to reference check (and medical in some cases)

seamus

Never provide your references until you've accepted a job offer.

Elessar

Thanks. You're kind of leaving yourself open though no? With no contract and after handing in your notice, they could conceivably withdraw the offer for any reason before you start. Leaving you with no job.

irishgrover

Elessar wrote:

Does anyone have any idea of how reference checking is done these days when offered a job? Is it normally after an offer has been made (subject to references) or before? I'm specifically speaking about IT.

Normally by phone....

sozbox

I never hand in my notice until I have a signed contract in my hand.

Stheno

Elessar wrote: »

Thanks. You're kind of leaving yourself open though no? With no contract and after handing in your notice, they could conceivably withdraw the offer for any reason before you start. Leaving you with no job.

Don't hand in your notice until you have a signed contract

L1011

Frequently it isn't done at all. If it is it's done before contracts are issued

I've never been contacted despite being on a number of my former staffs cvs as a referee

Elessar

Stheno wrote: »

Don't hand in your notice until you have a signed contract

How would that work though? You won't get a signed contract until a reference is checked. Then youll have to let your current boss know to expect a call without actually handing in a notice. Then what if there's a delay getting the contract, you'll still have to work out your notice period, possibly delaying your new start date...

bee06

Elessar wrote: »

How would that work though? You won't get a signed contract until a reference is checked. Then youll have to let your current boss know to expect a call without actually handing in a notice. Then what if there's a delay getting the contract, you'll still have to work out your notice period, possibly delaying your new start date...

I would never give a current employer as a reference. Always previous employers. That being said in the last two jobs I've gotten they didn't check references at all. Just did background checks.

Stheno

bee06 wrote: »

I would never give a current employer as a reference. Always previous employers. That being said in the last two jobs I've gotten they didn't check references at all. Just did background checks.

Same here I wouldn't give current employer unless compelled to

I had to in the past few years due to a mandatory five year background check though