Reference checks after verbal offer
I've been given a verbal offer for a position and only now are they doing a background check and reference check. I'm not sure why it's in this order. Anyone experience this? I'm waiting now for formal offer.
Melissa Lomax
Organizational & Executive Coaching
28
10/27/20 at 12:35PM UTC
Congrats on the verbal offer! Reference checks, tox screen, background checks are the last formal step in the process, and contingent on the formal offer. As mentioned above, it shows their commitment, and respects the time of those giving the references.
Krystin MorganResume/Career Expert - amplifycareerservices.com
1.03k
10/22/20 at 5:15PM UTC
I've seen this done before, but I don't love it. It makes more sense (to me) to do references *before* making the offer, just in case the references turn up anything concerning. That said, when companies do it in this order, they often see the references as more of a formality and while the offer is contingent on positive references, it probably isn't likely for them to pull the offer.
Reneé ZungCareer Consultant
253
10/20/20 at 11:47PM UTC
Interesting that you should ask. As a career transitions coach I have noticed in the virtual interview and on-boarding that references are being checked after the offer. While this was not the norm prior to the pandemic it is becoming a common practice now. The reference check is now completed when they run a background check. No worries perfectly normal. Good luck in your new endeavor
Deb StricklandDigital Marketing | Analytics & Tech Nomad
225
10/20/20 at 10:50PM UTC (Edited)
Yes, totally normal for me and it makes sense. It's what I'm used to. You as the candidate wouldn't want to bother references if you didn't have an offer. I have heard of companies that ask for references before the first interview! I'd absolutely refuse that. Total waste of time for everyone.
Any offer is normally contingent on reference checks, and any background or drug tests too.
Gail Renfrow, PMPProject Manager and Systems Analyst in Chicago
192
10/20/20 at 9:54PM UTC
I have always had the checks done after a verbal offer (offer is always contingent on the checks). But I have also always worked for Non-Profit, and so I think there's something to the idea that (1) Things move a bit slower for them to get position funding, so it is important for them to have an idea of what salary you are looking for, and (2) they don't want to spend a lot of money on background checks on people that may not even be considering their pay range.
It is interesting to me that this is NOT the way it is at all companies - lol!
Khyati VyasTechnical Product Manager in Seattle
43
10/20/20 at 9:27PM UTC
Ive received verbal offers before background checks too. They say contingent on the checks though. I think prospective employers do this because they want you to know that they are serious. Hang in there and check in with employer after a week. The waiting period is hard! Best of luck!
Suzanne SpeakAward-winning Senior HR leader
92
10/20/20 at 9:15PM UTC
In my 20+ years of HR experience, I've always worked for organizations that do the background/reference checks after a verbal offer is extended. They may not always tell you this (and they SHOULD!) but any type of offer (written or verbal) is usually contingent upon the successful completion of their requirements for employment... e.g. background check, reference check, drug test, etc.
Good luck and congratulations on making it this far!!
Keep us posted!
Kate McDonaldFounder + CEO of Broadreach Career
422
10/15/20 at 12:52PM UTC
First off, congrats on the verbal offer!!
This exact situation happened to me my first job out of university. It was a a corporate Fortune 100 company and when I asked a few fellow grads that applied to similar firms, they said they had the same experience. Very strange. I'd just ask if there is anything you can do to help facilitate making it easier for HR so you can get the formal offer. It'll show you're a proactive go-getter and hopefully quicken the process.
Let us know how it goes!!
Rhonda M Strong, CAP, OM, CWCA, CC, CEIPartnering with EAs & AAs for Success
247
10/13/20 at 2:55PM UTC
This is the first time I have heard of this. Interesting . . . .
