Does an employer check references if they aren't interested in hiring you?

[Spoisal]

I had an interview Friday and today two of the people I put down as references told me they were contacted by the business I applied for. Would they be checking references if they weren't interested in hiring me? Do they check references for everyone even if they do not want to hire them??

I am a nervous wreck! I really want this job! Thanks for your time!

 

[mickeyboat]

I wouldn't check references of someone I wasn't interested in hiring.

Denae

 

[Spoisal]

Would you check the references of more than one candidate at the same time? Or do you think I am in good shape as long as my references said great things??

 

[SC Minnie]

They may have the choices narrowed down and are checking those references.

As another poster on the DIS can attest-- don't count on the offer until it is in writing!!!

 

[Anewman]

Does it show interest? IMO yes.

Does it mean you will be hired? No not yet.


I know my wifes company verfies everything for everyone before the interviews, but I feel that is a rarity. Depending on the position if you narrow it down to 1 and that person does not pass the background check, the company would start all over. If they check up on the top choices, if one falls through they still have competent prospects.

 

[Green Tea]

They are likely gathering information on the final candidates to help in the decision making process. Maybe top 3?

 

[komondorok]

Would you check the references of more than one candidate at the same time? Or do you think I am in good shape as long as my references said great things??

In my previous life in corporate America (before SAHM), I would narrow my choices down to my top 3 candidates. I would then check references on those three. Most of the time, I was pretty sure of the candidate I wanted to hire, but I would check references of all three top candidates just in case my top choice had some rare negative feedback.

 

[debden]

I had an interview Friday and today two of the people I put down as references told me they were contacted by the business I applied for. Would they be checking references if they weren't interested in hiring me? Do they check references for everyone even if they do not want to hire them??

I am a nervous wreck! I really want this job! Thanks for your time!

I just had an interview recently and the company checked my references before they even called me for the first interview!! There were two other people besides me that were called back for a second interview.When they called me back for the second interview I made the mistake of thinking the job was mine.Nope.
Good Luck.
Debbie

 

[ckret01]

I'm curious did you give them the name of your references or did they just call the companies on your resume?

 

[HonestAbe]

I check references after I know they are a solid candidate. No sense in wasting more time and effort on someone when I dont even know if they can get through the interview!

 

[GeorgeG]

I would only check on the handful that I was interested in. The checks would also include an extensive background check, which wasn't cheap ($500-$1000and up), so it was only for candidates under serious consideration. Some companies do it in stages and only continue if the initial references check out.

 

[Anewman]

I check references after I know they are a solid candidate. No sense in wasting more time and effort on someone when I dont even know if they can get through the interview!

I guess it depends on what is considered more of waste, interview or reference check.

At some companies the interview requires 3 management level persons to take 30mins to an hour per prospect. While checking references can be as simple as a single HR worker sending out form letters and/or making a few calls.

Not saying that HR workers time should be "Wasted" checking refrences, but cost and productivity wise it can be a bigger waste to have higher payed employees spend time on a person that is un-hireable anyways. Again it varies by company.

 

[Spoisal]

I'm curious did you give them the name of your references or did they just call the companies on your resume?

They called the references that I specifically gave them. I don't have a good feeling. They called 2 of my references that I know of before 12 noon today & I still didn't hear anything all day.

 

[Snowysmom]

The company that just hired me checked my references on a Wednesday morning and I did not get a verbal offer until late Thursday afternoon. It all depends on when they can contact the references and all the hiring managers and supervisors can get together to discuss things. There is still time. Good luck!

 

[Spoisal]

The company that just hired me checked my references on a Wednesday morning and I did not get a verbal offer until late Thursday afternoon. It all depends on when they can contact the references and all the hiring managers and supervisors can get together to discuss things. There is still time. Good luck!

Thanks! That is encouraging. This job is just so perfect for me - I can't think of anything else!

 

[DISUNC]

I know when I check references...its only for the ONE candidate that I am interested in!


&

 

[Spoisal]

I know when I check references...its only for the ONE candidate that I am interested in!


&

More encouragement! Thanks so much!

 

[TiggerStac]

The company that just hired me checked my references on a Wednesday morning and I did not get a verbal offer until late Thursday afternoon. It all depends on when they can contact the references and all the hiring managers and supervisors can get together to discuss things. There is still time. Good luck!

I just hired someone w/this scenario....I had checked the references, but wanted to offer her more $$ than my budget, so I had to wait for the Ok on the $$ before I could offer the position. So I checked on one day and offered the next afternoon.

 

[Spoisal]

I got the job!!! I was offered the position late Tuesday afternoon. Thank you ALL for the well wishes & encouragement that helped to keep me sane!

 

[Hedy]

I got the job!!! I was offered the position late Tuesday afternoon. Thank you ALL for the well wishes & encouragement that helped to keep me sane!

Yay!