Do employers really check with references? I was asked to submit them as the final step of my interview and just curious. I have never had an employer actually contact anyone and wasn't sure if that was the norm.
Wow, you haven't?? I have had references checked for nearly every job I've applied for, and as a hiring manager I always checked references.
Some places are more casual about it, because really who are you going to give as a reference that doesn't think you're amazing?
That's why AskAManager says that sometimes hiring managers contact people you don't even list as a reference. Like people from companies you have worked for.
Wow, you haven't?? I have had references checked for nearly every job I've applied for, and as a hiring manager I always checked references.
Some places are more casual about it, because really who are you going to give as a reference that doesn't think you're amazing?
That's why AskAManager says that sometimes hiring managers contact people you don't even list as a reference. Like people from companies you have worked for.
I have asked the reference specific questions about a candidate that might clear things up that I can't learn from the interview. But I've also heard of people asking the reference for the name of another person at that company who candidate worked with.
I've had people not check references. Once I was offered a job, but they told me it was contingent on the reference checks that they had not done yet.
I don't believe my current job even asked for references.
But I think these situations are unusual, and more often than not, they call references. My husband does some hiring, and based on what he tells me, references can help break ties between two good candidates.
Post by polarbearfans on Jul 8, 2014 20:34:10 GMT -5
I always check before I hire. Usually the provided, sometimes someone at a previously listed employer. And you would be surprised at some of the things references say. It is not always positive even if it is a best friend.
Mine have always been checked. My current job required that I give a reference at my then current job, which I hate to do. I made it pending an offer, and they wouldn't give me the offer until they talked to my reference. I think it's pretty rare in the legal field not to call references. We've hired 5 people in my office since I started, and we call 3 reference each for them.
Post by orangeblossom on Jul 8, 2014 23:26:24 GMT -5
I have always had my references checked. However, a few of my previous jobs, the reference is only allowed to say a person worked there. Nothing more and nothing less.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
I think this is interesting. I've always heard 2 references and that's what I've given. I also have provided coworkers as one of my references.
But yes, references are always checked in my world too.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
I think this is interesting. I've always heard 2 references and that's what I've given. I also have provided coworkers as one of my references.
But yes, references are always checked in my world too.
With my previous employer, we always asked for 3 but only called the 3rd one if there was something off with the other 2. At my current employer, we call all 3.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
My dad is a manager and he prefers non-manager references, since at several companies where he has worked, managers are told they can't say anything about former employees as a reference except confirm dates of employment and official job title for liability reasons. He prefers coworkers because either they aren't bound by these rules or at least tend to be unaware of them.
Post by sillygoosegirl on Jul 9, 2014 8:49:34 GMT -5
I don't know if my references have been checked, but I've been called as a reference. My current employer, they didn't even ask for references... Which in hindsight should have been a red flag to me.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
My dad is a manager and he prefers non-manager references, since at several companies where he has worked, managers are told they can't say anything about former employees as a reference except confirm dates of employment and official job title for liability reasons. He prefers coworkers because either they aren't bound by these rules or at least tend to be unaware of them.
This is true. However, when there was no reporting relationship to the person providing the reference there often isn't anything to back up what they say. For all I know, the person could be their buddy who works in another division and had no idea what they do on a day to day basis and can't speak to the quality of their work.
At my former employer, if an employee wanted a reference they could sign off saying that we could disclose information on some or all aspects of their employment.
Always. And it must be 3 work related references. I not interested in character references or what a coworker thinks of you. I want someone you reported to.
My dad is a manager and he prefers non-manager references, since at several companies where he has worked, managers are told they can't say anything about former employees as a reference except confirm dates of employment and official job title for liability reasons. He prefers coworkers because either they aren't bound by these rules or at least tend to be unaware of them.
This varies from company to company. Many companies have this policy to protect against slander, but it's not a law as far as I know, at least not in my state. I've had to put non-disparagement clauses in settlement agreements to make sure a former employer cannot say more than job title and dates of employment.
But if there is no company policy or state law that prohibits it, a manager can give a TRUTHFUL reference. An issue occurs only if a manager gives a negative one that isn't true- that leads the door to a slander claim.
But most of the time (in my experience at least) a future employer just wants confirmation the employee was actually employed in the title they said they were for the time they were - they want to make sure they didn't lie on their resume. Most don't want a recommendation.