I finally reached the end of the interview process after a month and a half and they have now asked for references.

Anonymous

October 19,2021 at 1:40PM UTC

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I finally reached the end of the interview process after a month and a half and they have now asked for references. I furnished three, a director, a supervisor and a direct report. I'm asking others just in case I need more. Not sure how many is customary. What reasons would a past boss decline to give a reference if you thought you left on good terms and how much longer should the process take at this point? Any feedback would be appreciated.

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Caytie LangfordOctober 19,2021 at 2:36PM UTC
3 is more than plenty. Did you ask each of the three before you submitted them? If not, reach out as soon as possible to them to let them know.
The process could still take time depending on what's on their plate at the company. I wouldn't expect more than another 6 weeks, but you can never be sure. Keep your focus on why you want this role, and why it's a great fit for you.
Kirsten BunchOctober 19,2021 at 3:06PM UTC
Legal reasons are usually why people decline. Big companies often don’t allow anything besides yes she worked here. But if you ask on a personal level the person will probably do it for you.
AnonymousOctober 19,2021 at 3:10PM UTC
I do think you should ask the people you want to use as a reference ahead of time. It gives them an opportunity to decline if they might not give you a glowing reference you expect. If they are not expecting it, they may not respond to the request, and what does that say to the HR dept?
Meghan IrvingOctober 19,2021 at 4:05PM UTC
Three seems like the usual number. Definitely give the people a heads up that you gave them as references- it helps them not feel blindsided by the call and gives them time to think about what they might say. A reason a person might refuse, despite good terms, is if their employer does not allow individuals to give references. I worked for one that had that policy- you were technically required to direct any request for a reference to HR, who would only then confirm employment. The policy was often broken as no one really understood why it was in place though it seemed to partly be to stop 'recommendations' on sites like LinkedIn (again, no one really knew why). It was a terrible policy that only hurt people that left the company so I hope that isn't the case.
As for how long the hiring process can take... that's anyone's guess. Some places seem to move fast, some seem to take forever. I've gotten interview requests so long after I applied that I barely remembered applying to the job.
yvette finley PHROctober 19,2021 at 4:15PM UTC
3 should be sufficient
AnonymousOctober 19,2021 at 4:35PM UTC
Many times, because of past infractions or legal warnings, companies ask that referrals are either refused or kept to a script. Many unprofessional managers have gone out of bounds and shared too many opinions in performance and jeopardized candidates chances for hire.
AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 6:51AM UTC
Many companies have a no references policy.