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References checked but no offer
I recently went through an interview process and the hiring manager stated that I was the strongest candidate and wanted to proceed to an offer. I was asked for references, which I provided 3 of them. I was also asked for a current manager reference which I said I will provide later so they said OK since that can be a tricky situation. They checked 2 of my references. I know this because my references told me they were notified. I wait now for the offer letter but it never comes. I then receive suddenly a rejection email from HR for the role "At this time, the department has decided to move forward with other candidates. While your background and experience meet the requirements of the position, the department has identified other candidates whose background better suit their needs at this time."
I was really shocked to receive this email. Since my references were checked and they were looking to offer (the hiring manager emailed me this), I suddenly receive this. I emailed the hiring manager and the HR person but there was no mistake in sending this email. The HR person said my references were all positive but the department moved to other candidates.
Am I overreacting to being shocked that there was no sign or warning they would back out of an offer? I haven't received an explanation at all for this other than that all of a sudden they changed their mind at this part of the stage. Is this kind of poor recruitment practice common? I also found that them asking for a current manager reference left a bad taste in my mouth. I could provide them references from past managers but a current manager reference is really a sticky situation to put anyone in and puts one at risk to lose their job or burn a bridge. I am just quite upset over how this situation occurred at all and need some guidance through this.
MJ
Accounting consultant
307
12/03/20 at 3:14AM UTC
Could one of the references have given a not so positive review? I would ask a friend to pose as someone looking to hire you and call your former employers to see what they say.
Anonymous
12/03/20 at 2:31AM UTC
Isn’t this a blessing in disguise? Would you really want to be part of a company that thinks it’s okay to lead you down one path and change their minds this quickly. Imagine what it would be like if you worked there? I think you dodged a bullet.
User edited comment on 12/03/20 at 2:31AM UTC
Stephanie
11
12/02/20 at 9:42PM UTC
There's a lot of comments here but I can tell you I've been on the other side of this. We interviewed several candidates and one was clearly the strongest however one person in the process had a personality fit that we felt could really enhance the culture of the company.
When we went through the references the weaker candidate had incredible references from some high level executives that really changed the perspective for us of that candidate. The decision came down to "What do we need more? Someone we know will do really well in the role or someone that will do well in the role but really enhance our culture?"
I am truly sorry they set your expectations such that it just seemed like a formality but the job was yours. That's really not okay particularly in this climate. Best of luck!
Anonymous
12/02/20 at 8:37PM UTC
I'm not sure that running the chain with this company is the right thing to do. I think you may be lucky you found out that they have some deceitful practices prior to going to work there rather than after, so for that I would likely count it a positive. Depending on where you got your lead for the job, I would post a review there on the company. I know that both Indeed and LinkedIn allow you to do that. A big beware could get the attention of the higher-ups without jeopardizing your standing in the industry (especially if allowed to post anonymously) like others have said. I find that any words that lead anyone to believe that there is an offer imminent to be problematic, and unless there is something in writing, like a contingency letter, would decline giving a current manager as a reference as that could harm your standing in your current job, unless it is one of those rare cases where your manager knows about and is supporting your job search (most common for contract work and internships, but not unheard of.)
Prescilla Gines
59
12/02/20 at 5:48PM UTC
Wow. So Sorry to hear about this. I think it was already suspicious when the hiring manager asked for a reference CURRENT manager. If you've already provided them with a set list of references, the hiring manager should just honor that list, knowing that these people have already agreed to vouch for you. I would hope companies would be more discrete and not mention that you're getting an offer unless they have finalized the offer package for you. I would say that goes to show what type of company/HR team this is, and you don't want to walk with them. Hope everything works out at the end. I'm currently job searching myself and it's been tough. Wishing you luck in your search!
Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
107
12/02/20 at 3:54PM UTC
I'm so sorry to hear this. I would certainly feel like the rug was pulled out from under me in this situation. I would echo many thoughts expressed here. You really don't know if some CEO's kid just graduated from the ivy leagues and needs a job or if a different candidate was willing to accept significantly less money. Or maybe the hiring manager was on the way out and they decided not to hire anyone. No matter the case, it can be frustrating to feel like you're a shoe-in (based on what the hiring company told you) and then find out that you were passed over.
It sounds like you feel your current boss might respond to finding out you're looking for another job with a push out the door. If I've misread that and you do have a respectful, trusting relationship, I might suggest you approach your manager to let them know about your job search. Most reasonable managers will understand.
Lastly, I'd suggest connecting with your references who were contacted as soon as possible to find out exactly what they were asked and their responses. You never know what one person will interpret as a great conversation and another person might view as a disaster (or reveals too much, or retells a story you told in your interview with different facts, etc.). Good luck!
C. P.
65
12/02/20 at 3:43PM UTC
This is wrong and every HR department should stop the practice of contacting current employers and managers unless the company plans to extend an offer to that person. Yes, it does create an uncomfortable situation and could burn bridges at someone's current company. I have known organizations that do not look kindly on employees looking for a new job and have even tried to discipline them for it. I'm sorry this happened to you and I hope your manager isn't retaliatory about it.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
598
12/02/20 at 3:28PM UTC
It is disappointing when people lie to you. However, it appears that your "Guardian Angel" helped your dodge an unpleasant situation.
Recently, to help me deal with my own job search disappointments, I switched my radio station. I now listen to a soft rock Christian station. No foul language, no inappropriate jokes, no negativity.
You cannot change how other people act or behavior, but you can change how you let it impact you. This is a learning process -- it's one-step at a time.
Find that something that works for you. A good cup of coffee, a Smiley face, yoga, a special photograph.
User edited comment on 12/02/20 at 3:49PM UTC
Anonymous
12/02/20 at 3:13PM UTC
This hurts, I'm sure. I will share that it's common for big companies to get to the final hiring stages with more than one finalist and they will often reference check more than one finalist. Asking for all available references may feel odd, but it was certainly your right not to give the current employer and they do understand. I'm not a lawyer, I didn't read activity warranting a complaint. I saw that another finalist just won out. You can be sure that it was really close based on their comments, so there's a great chance they would consider you for another role. I would call HR and ask for some feedback on the interview. IF you are still interested in that company, it's your chance to convey that you'd be interested in other openings.
Anonymous
12/02/20 at 2:46PM UTC
I am really sorry you had to experience this. I had a similar situation a little over a year ago. When all was said and done, I reminded myself the job was not mine. However, one of my references personally knew the woman trying to fill the position. Being the curious person he is, he called the woman and asked what happened with my interview and why I had been dropped. He was told they randomly called another manager in my office and asked them for a reference, I am not sure if they looked at our website or asked people who were familiar with the company. This person gave terrible and inaccurate information, which is illegal in NYC. Giving negative information that would/could prevent a person from achieving gainful employment is not allowed. If the reference does not want to support the person, the only information they can legally give is the length of employment. Because I don't know who that person is, there was nothing I could do. I found it sketchy that this company would reach out to another person who I did not identify as a reference and even worse that someone would provide bad information. Clearly this was personal. One would think they would provide any information to get me out of the company, not keep me there and sabotage a chance replace me. When all is said and done, I ended up landing a much better job with a much better package. So, it really wasn't meant to be. Whatever the reason, there is something bigger and better out there for you. Try not to focus on it. The next interview will lead to an offer that you will be thrilled with.
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