Is it normal to check references prior to making an offer?

11 Comments

1. Jenn IslamMay 26,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

   Yes! It's usually the last step in the process, and usually a formality.

2. AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

   Yes……I have gotten jobs without a reference check. In this day and time people want to know more about who they hire. Competition is fierce and high.

3. JJMay 26,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

   Yes but also I provided a list of references, went through background and all the screenings, got my start date and completed online onboarding and they never contacted my references.
   I wonder if just seeing the list of people from previous jobs that I was willing to reach out to and provide phone and email for was enough?

4. Christy SchwartzMay 26,2022 at 2:09PM UTC

   Yes, this would not seem abnormal to me.

5. Jessica KyserMay 26,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

   Yes

6. AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

   Absolutely. References must check out but a background check can be "pending " and an offer can be made pending that background check.

7. KatMay 26,2022 at 3:22PM UTC

   That's the whole point of references. I was recently on a search committee for a job in my department and that was the last step in the process. The committee chair contacted each reference to get more information about the candidate (experience in certain areas, how they handle difficult situations, etc.) before making the final hiring recommendation. I work in higher ed, so reference checks are standard. Not all industries follow that process. But if they ask for references, make sure they are people that know you well, how you work and will say good things about you.

8. Kerry RoperMay 26,2022 at 4:10PM UTC

   Having experience with large and small businesses, in many different fields, I would say it SHOULD be normal, but sadly, many smaller or family owned employers do not check references, instead relying on their own "gut" feelings. This is not good for the employer or the candidate. I would be happier taking a job, knowing that an employer learned all they could about my past experience. It's their resources being wasted on unqualified people, training, firing, rehiring... so claiming they "don't have time" or some other nonsense is bs. Then the person who eventually takes the role, walks into a larger backlog of work and coworkers who have been frustrated by previous short term people who have been "tried out" in the role. I have been the person who took a job to find out that I am the "fourth person at that desk in five months". Who wants to start a job in that environment?

9. AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

   Absolutely, that's the point of references. That's why you speak to people in advance before listing them as one, not only is it common curtesy to let them know, but you also want to make sure they will be nothing but positive. I was listed in the past as a reference for a former colleague without being notified, and I had to decline to say anything when contacted due to my negative professional experience with them. I'm guessing they didn't get the position (they should have spoken to me first so I could have declined). If you're concerned about them contacting your current job, tell them. Often potential employers will contact your other references, and then only when they are ready to make an offer will they reach out to your current job as a formality.

10. AnonymousJuly 21,2022 at 4:14PM UTC

    I agree with 99% of this with one small caveat… I don’t suggest concerning yourself with ensuring your references are NOTHING but positive.

    Sure, you don’t want the situation described here, where a potential employer is reaching out to someone that does not have a high opinion of the candidate. However, honesty about shortcomings isn’t terrible, as long as they have more to say about your positive qualities and overall contribution. After all, a negative in one situation could be an asset in a new environment.

    My references told my last employer things like “oh, she’s brilliant and works very hard but if you’re looking for someone to do the same repetitive tasks day in and out, she’s probably not a good fit.” “She has a bold personality and curses a lot”

    Maybe those are not “positive” but I certainly don’t want to try and thrive in an environment where those things are not accepted. They still hired me and my supervisor got exactly what she expected… I did some killer process development and streamlining for her team.

11. Kimberly LeonardMay 27,2022 at 6:09PM UTC

    Thanks for the feedback all....I did list supervisors who had said they would provide positive references and just recently emailed them all to provide a "heads up" that prospective employer would be in touch.