Reference request, is this normal?
Discussion
I have received a conditional offer for a new role, subject to two satisfactory references.
Nothing unusual there; however, my new employer wants a five-minute call with my references, and not the usual letter from HR stating the position and time held.
I've not had many jobs, so maybe this is normal, but it's news to me, and I just want to make sure it's not a red flag or something to be wary of.
Nothing unusual there; however, my new employer wants a five-minute call with my references, and not the usual letter from HR stating the position and time held.
I've not had many jobs, so maybe this is normal, but it's news to me, and I just want to make sure it's not a red flag or something to be wary of.
My current manager had a call with the project manager of the project I was working on previously as a freelancer. Apparently the call was about 10 minutes long. I dread to think what they discussed in 10 minutes, but I got the job so it obviously didn't put them off. I don't tend to change jobs frequently so I don't know how common it is though.
Are either of your references at your current employer?
Also, some referees maybe be reluctant to answer questions, since if afterwards the offer is withdrawn, the. Naturally you could assume that they said something that caused the offer to be withdrawn. Which is why these days most references only confirm dates and positions held.
Not a total red flag, but sounds quite smalll company, entrepreneur control freak type. Corporates would not rely on this. (Though we might use our networks to seek an opinion)
Also, some referees maybe be reluctant to answer questions, since if afterwards the offer is withdrawn, the. Naturally you could assume that they said something that caused the offer to be withdrawn. Which is why these days most references only confirm dates and positions held.
Not a total red flag, but sounds quite smalll company, entrepreneur control freak type. Corporates would not rely on this. (Though we might use our networks to seek an opinion)
If you've given a personal reference then yes, definitely, they want to check that it really is the Archbishop and not just the landlady at the Pie and Pigeon, and that they do know you.
If it's a former employer then no, and any sensible HR dept would refuse to take the call anyway.
If it's a former employer then no, and any sensible HR dept would refuse to take the call anyway.
I had to give 3-5 professional references, 2 of those they wanted to be previous line managers. Then they arranged a 15 min call with each one. I thought it was overkill but the role was a bit of a risk for them so I guess they wanted to make sure I wasn’t bulls
tting anything! Thankfully I hadn’t burnt any bridges so it was all OK. Got the job.
tting anything! Thankfully I hadn’t burnt any bridges so it was all OK. Got the job. Edited by Prohibiting on Saturday 17th June 07:40
I think any hirer would be mad not to try to get a word with previous employers. What or is not communicated orally in these conversations is worth ten times more than what is written, in my experience. People seldom flat out lie and reactions to questions like “all things being equal, would you hire this person again?” speak volumes.
I have always been barred from giving references by HR but don’t have a problem speaking to prospective employers. I just decline to make any comment at all if I feel that what I would say is disobliging.
I have always been barred from giving references by HR but don’t have a problem speaking to prospective employers. I just decline to make any comment at all if I feel that what I would say is disobliging.
Thanks for the comments so far.
They have asked to speak with my previous hiring managers, and while that is kind of possible, I'm not entirely sure some would be willing to talk (or say anything positive if they did).
I've offered a number of current colleagues, suppliers and customers who will gladly provide a reference, so we'll see how that goes down.
They have asked to speak with my previous hiring managers, and while that is kind of possible, I'm not entirely sure some would be willing to talk (or say anything positive if they did).
I've offered a number of current colleagues, suppliers and customers who will gladly provide a reference, so we'll see how that goes down.
Tigerj said:
Can managers even give references now?
We are told all we can do is confirm that they worked here and for how long.
That's all any company has done for me for the last 10yrs. I thought stating anything else was considering too risky/incriminating by HR departments. We are told all we can do is confirm that they worked here and for how long.
I've worked for four different companies since 2010. Construction industry so maybe it's different elsewhere.
Zarco said:
Tigerj said:
Can managers even give references now?
We are told all we can do is confirm that they worked here and for how long.
That's all any company has done for me for the last 10yrs. I thought stating anything else was considering too risky/incriminating by HR departments. We are told all we can do is confirm that they worked here and for how long.
I've worked for four different companies since 2010. Construction industry so maybe it's different elsewhere.
Having been asked in a work and professional capacity for a reference I usually stick to this. On a personal one I will not comment on their ability to to a job that is at all different to what I worked with them doing.
As for the long detailed questionnaires- I will never fill in or put stuff in writing. Even saying stuff on a phone call at work can be iffy as some places record all phone calls on works phones. (Mine did)
I'd fiercely avoid a call like this.
Several years ago an employee who was leaving the family firm had an employer looking for a new job and their new employee wanted a phone call.
One of the questions was what is your employee's weakest point. Which in this case was her maths - which was far from weak. She did not get the job and tears were shed.
I am very much against future employers dealing in this way when previous employers have to pick up the pieces.
Several years ago an employee who was leaving the family firm had an employer looking for a new job and their new employee wanted a phone call.
One of the questions was what is your employee's weakest point. Which in this case was her maths - which was far from weak. She did not get the job and tears were shed.
I am very much against future employers dealing in this way when previous employers have to pick up the pieces.
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