I have had a series of two interviews for two positions.

Anonymous

November 3,2021 at 6:10AM UTC

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I have had a series of two interviews for two positions. I was offered one position , signed a new hire packet and after my references were checked the offer was rescinded. I was not told why. I have never received a negative evaluation and I know my background check is good. I am in contact with my references and they both said they had positive conversation with the hiring manager and they were shocked I didn’t get the position. I successfully interviewed for another position in a series of interviews and was asked for references. Again I was shocked when I was informed that they selected another candidate. I’ve never had an issue with reference checks but now I’m concerned. Any advice or feedback would be helpful.

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Jackie GhedineNovember 3,2021 at 12:04PM UTC
I don't have advice, just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear this happened to you.
AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:09PM UTC
This is shocking. I would give your next offer new references. Something is not right. Also request a copy of the background check. Maybe there's something on there that is a mistake.
AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 5:34PM UTC
I would suggest changing your references if you know your background check is not the issue. Something seems off about that.
Stefanie Cossalter MotleyNovember 9,2021 at 4:08PM UTC
I agree with the others: regardless of what your references are telling you, something is amiss. You should replace one or both of them before applying for your next job. Congrats on getting so far in the process for two jobs, though, and so quickly - that seems unheard of today! I'm confident you'll be able to land the next one.
Anita GetzNovember 9,2021 at 4:31PM UTC
I would definitely change your references before your next interview. Maybe get a friend to pose as a potential employer and have them contact your references, and find out exactly what they are saying. Just a suggestion
Laura LeachNovember 9,2021 at 6:46PM UTC
I echo all of the advice so far, you need to get new references and make sure you let them know you will be using them, who will be calling, and what they need to share about their experience with you.
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Rachna LienNovember 9,2021 at 10:01PM UTC
There could be a number of reasons for this, and they may have nothing to do with you. That being said, if you suspect something went wrong when they did reference checks, then I think the answer is clear: change your references.
It may not be that your references even said anything bad about you, but maybe they didn't say the right good things. Switch it up and see what makes for your strongest application moving forward.
AnonymousNovember 19,2021 at 2:52PM UTC
I just went through a reference check and I gave all three people I listed as references bullet points on the position so they were clear on the role. I also provided them with talking points on what I wanted them to cover so their comments were all different but complimentary to each other. They were all very appreciative of this scripting. I’m sorry this happened to you. Have you went back to the company and asked for constructive feedback? While they’ll likely refuse to answer I think it’s totally appropriate to say: this development is shocking, especially after these strong interviews and my strength as a candidate, can you share any constructive feedback that would be helpful in my job search?
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistNovember 23,2021 at 5:27PM UTC
Are you sure it was the reference check that torpedoed this and not the employment verification or background check?
AnonymousNovember 28,2021 at 2:11PM UTC
Agree that something is definitely amiss here. Please request feedback from the company that rescinded their offer.
Agree with others that there is likely an issue with your references. Don’t assume however that a reference has provided negative feedback, rather keep in mind that there is a great deal of “free” information on the web that may portray an employment reference in a negative fashion.