Applying for New Jobs - Getting a Reference Check

sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 09:47
Last edited 04/04/2019 - 09:57 by 1 other user

Applied for a new job recently and have been working at the current one for almost 10 years. I have been asked for current line manager as a referee as the previous ones would be too old to use. Have passed the interview, but no formal offer has been given not even as a conditional post referee check. It makes me hesitate to give current one as I work in small team and gossip travels fast. The company I work for has other teams in it but nothing I'm interested particularly in trying out.

What has been other people's experience in providing referees, do people actually give current line manager and have a positive working relationship with them that they would feel comfortable discussing such things? I hesitate to open that can of worms in case I don't get a formal offer at the end of this process.

Also as an aside has anyone successfully negotiated a promotion internally after telling them they plan to leave?

Poll Options

  • 4
    Have given current line manager as referee for new job
  • 41
    No way hose, I don't want to risk it
Education & Work

Comments

  • 87percent on 04/04/2019 - 09:52

    i would follow up with the place you interviewed with and see how you actually went

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 09:53

      Referees I have given who have not been direct managers were given and contacted deemed insufficient

      • serpserpserp on 04/04/2019 - 10:03
        +3

        Gee they must have really undersold you. Never put a referee down that isn't going to absolutely say you are the greatest employee going around (in a subtle say of course).

        I would suggest you find one or two other people that will give you a glowing reference and go back to them with those names in your back pocket. Tell this new mob that you are uncomfortable giving your current boss as a referee as if you don't get this job, it could seriously impact your current work relations.

        In the future though, it is much easier if you discuss your future goals with your boss. Ie. bring up casually that you are looking for new challenges and that could include another job. Have that discussion and then do a "by the way" would you be willing to be a referee for me? Make absolutely sure that they will give you an unqualified reference! Too many people I know have just assumed that is what their boss was going to do and they didn't. Make sure they understand exactly what you need from them in terms of the reference. IF they are uncomfortable with that, make friends with some other bosses quickly! ;)

        • Skramit on 04/04/2019 - 10:06
          +1

          I read the OPs post as "on paper" the reference checks were too old, not that they rang them and got bad references.

          • serpserpserp on 04/04/2019 - 10:18

            @Skramit: True. I think OP should still offer the references he wants, with other advice given here, if the offer is on the table, give current manager.

            Still my advice about making sure your boss doesn't burn you is still very relevant given it seems like OP hasn't told boss they are looking for jobs.

        • MeesusEff on 04/04/2019 - 10:42

          All the jobs I've interviewed at asked for Direct Managers as referees. I had really high up on the chain people that they didn't even glance at due to them being from different departments.

  • Donaldhump on 04/04/2019 - 09:56
    +9

    I would say unless an offer is on the table I can’t give my manager as a referee.

    Or have a chat with ur manager and ask her in confidence, maybe sh/he will be ok to keep it hush if you don’t get the job

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 10:33
      +1

      I'm considering both options at the moment but unsure how the current one will respond as hasn't been my line manager for very long.

      • deveshwar0 on 04/04/2019 - 10:58
        +4

        If you haven't had them as your direct boss for long, can't you provide the reference from the previous boss?
        I've done this in the past without issues.

        • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 11:01
          +1

          as mentioned in comment below - The one I've had for the last 5 years who has moved to different team recently within the company is very tight with my current line manager and also cant keep a secret.

      • Donaldhump on 04/04/2019 - 17:00
        +1

        use your old one,

        not a crime to look for another job, if they value you they may give a pay rise, if not maybe best to move anyway.. i wouldnt stress looking for a new job after 10 years is ok

      • pjcook on 05/04/2019 - 07:42

        Why are you leaving your current job? If it is about pay you are in a position to see how valuable you are to your current employer.

  • Skramit on 04/04/2019 - 10:00
    +8

    I find it a little odd the new company is suggesting that current manager is a requirement, before theyve made you and offer anyway. Most places I've dealt with completely understand that current manager as a referee is usually off the table for obvious reasons.

    If you've been there for 10 years, is there anyone else that could be your referee in confidence? Like an older boss or team lead?

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 10:32
      +1

      The good bosses I've had either left, moved overseas or too long ago to contact. The one I've had for the last 5 years who has moved to different team recently within the company is very tight with my current line manager and also cant keep a secret.

      • TheBilly on 04/04/2019 - 13:11
        +2

        I think you are taking this out of context. Doesnt matter who you put as your reference for now. The new company shouldnt be asking for your current boss as a reference without an offer on the table. Its as simple as that. If they dont like it, 'they' not 'you' are going to have to find a work around if they want you for the position. You just need to communicate that nicely and stop thinking about this whole thing.

    • TheOtherLeft on 05/04/2019 - 07:46

      It depends who's doing the recruiting. My current company (engineering firm) used a recruitment company to do the reference checks and other backoffice paperwork. They insisted on the current manager which I said no. I ended up using my previous boss.

      After I moved my former subordinate asked me to be his referee which I was fine with and told me again the recruitment company asked for his current boss which he said no as well.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2019 - 10:16

    It's up to you. Both your prospective employer and you are mutually unobligated.

    Don't want to surrender your referee, don't get a job.

    I won't hire someone based on old referees. You never know, they could be currently pulling a nice 42 day sickee.

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 10:36

      The referees I gave still work at the company, one of them within my section and a senior to me.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2019 - 11:09
        -1

        Unfortunately, seniority does not mean they are your direct superior. There is a difference between the value of the reference between the two.

    • elgrande on 04/04/2019 - 12:21

      It was real, I have a certificate to prove it!

  • GG57 on 04/04/2019 - 11:10
    +2

    I don't know where OP works, but most corporate entities do not give a reference for employees beyond confirming that they work / worked there and perhaps the dates. Beyond that, nothing.

    I assume that the potential new employer is looking for personal references. In that case, the previous line manager (for 5 years) should be sufficiently relevant, if they are inclined to do so.

    Referees should be adult enough to act responsibly; in confidence, honest, and supportive (or not agree to be a referee).

    • ColonialBoy on 20/07/2019 - 19:24

      I worked for a large private company with 1000+ employees. The only reference was like you said, length of employment.

      The CEO was the owner and didn't want to put up with reference litigation BS. They did not ask for references when I was employed.

  • brad1-8tsi on 04/04/2019 - 11:19
    +1

    I wouldn't know what to do about referees these days.

    The supervisors from my previous employee have both died and it was 10 yrs back.
    The Team Leader from my previous position I haven't kept in touch with for various ethical reasons.
    My ex-team Leader from my current position I don't get on with as he's a bit of a knob (hence why he got moved on).
    I haven't had a Team Leader for 6+ months. Haven't had a manager for 3+ months.
    Executive Manager hasn't a clue who I am - he's got 250 other bodies to worry about.

    As one of my bosses said, "if I've got an under-performer I'm not going to bad-mouth them. It's good they are moving on."

  • tsunamisurfer on 04/04/2019 - 12:04

    Your situation depends on your relationship with your Manager, if it is good then use that referee. If not, perhaps tell the new employer that the current manager has not known you long enough to give a complete evaluation fo your skillset.

  • meowmeowmeow on 04/04/2019 - 12:36

    I had to do this for my current role. But I got a conditional letter of offer first, pending references. I knew my references would be fine, so the letter of offer meant i could tell my current manager i am leaving, and then ask them to do the reference check for me.

    Can you ask the new employer for a conditional letter of offer? If they are checking references then 99% certain you got the job, unless your reference check goes really badly.

  • slow on 04/04/2019 - 12:41
    +4

    I think it is unreasonable to expect someone to give their current employer as a reference, and I would not expect someone to do the same. Even though I have a good relationship with my boss, I would not want him to know I am looking for other jobs

  • TheBilly on 04/04/2019 - 13:05

    I would just say to them I am happy to give a non work character reference for the time being. Once you issue an employment contract I will happily give my current work reference. Just explain how they should understand that you dont want to undermine your currenr position with no future job certainty. Nobody has ever caused an issue with me on this approach.

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 14:54

      So they have done the referee check of what you could characterise as "character reference". But want the current supervisor. During the process I told them that I had not let my boss know I was looking elsewhere from previous job applications not getting past interview. It was different line management at the time.

  • Illian on 04/04/2019 - 13:07
    +2

    Referees are horseshit altogether, let alone from a current employer! Half the time the entire reason you're leaving a place is because of the people you have to work with or under.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2019 - 15:29

      Sounds like you've only ever left because you're trying to get out of what you're in.

      Some people change jobs because of a payrise or are serially hopping to better paying jobs.

      Not taking a jab, just saying that you're only seeing one side albeit probably the more common one.

  • spackbace on 04/04/2019 - 18:12
    +4

    No one made mention of "hose" instead of José? 😂

    • sagrules on 04/04/2019 - 19:20

      I forgot how to spell it lol

  • CactusReloaded on 05/04/2019 - 09:16

    Get a cheap phone with a new number. Make up a name and put that down as referee.

    • sagrules on 05/04/2019 - 11:13

      Why didn't I think of that?
      Not an option as they send verification of referee report to the referee and sign off

  • Never Pay RRP on 05/04/2019 - 12:34
    +1

    Your new potential employer is asking for something that seems very unreasonable. You should reconsider working there.
    The insistence of using your current employer specifically seems strange to me (although it could be due to the fact that you have only had that employer for last 10 years).
    I've always offered referees from previous employers (i.e. not the current one), and these have always been accepted without question.

  • SlickMick on 05/04/2019 - 15:37

    I wouldn't give my current manager. Sounds like a crap company to work for, so walk. I had an employer track down a referee that had moved back to Hungary decades after I'd worked with him. That was the role most relevant, so that's who they wanted to speak to.

    For companies that want current manager, I've said I would give permission if they would give a conditional offer subject to acceptable referee check. You don't want them talking to your boss before you've decided to take the job.

    I once had an agent try to ring me but was put through to CEO instead. I was asked whether I had intentions to leave, they wouldn't accept "maybe", and I stopped getting invited to meetings after that. Would have been awkward to not leave, and I ended up giving notice without an offer from new job. I don't recommend this approach.

  • Leo Getz on 05/04/2019 - 21:13

    Long time listener, first time caller.
    Do you all have such bad working relationships with your line managers that you seriously would not list them as a referee?
    You all need to change jobs, no wait, you can't cause you don't have a current referee you trust.

    Apart from my own, I have been involved in a few recruitment processes and referees are absolutely required and provide feedback either written or oral on the applicant. It's a bit awkward when the applicant has listed a referee, and that person does NOT know they are a referee, so please talk to the people who you list as referees before applying for a job. You can be generic and just say you are looking at opportunities and would they be a referee if you applied for something.

    • sagrules on 08/04/2019 - 07:39

      Yes, have spoken to the referees I gave before being contacted and they were fine with it. Just could've done a better job selling how close we worked together in the past in order to get me over the line….

  • TheOtherLeft on 06/04/2019 - 09:17
    +1

    The whole referees concept is outdated. If your boss wants you gone they'll lie and tell the recruiter they are awesome and it would be a shame to lose them. This is talking from personal experience when I recruited someone and he got a glowing reference. He turned out being below average and didn't last the probation period.

  • myusername on 08/04/2019 - 12:42

    yep going through this process at the moment

    • sagrules on 08/04/2019 - 13:34

      what did you end up doing?

      • myusername on 08/04/2019 - 14:02

        well i got offered more cash to stay put.

        dangerous move i know, have tried it before in my life and was never successful.

        • sagrules on 08/04/2019 - 14:59

          Glad it worked out for you, I haven't tried this on my current employer yet

          • myusername on 08/04/2019 - 15:42

            @sagrules: mind you i've been with the company for 10 years now.

            If i hadnt been here as long i really doubt i would have been s lucky

  • Skramit on 07/05/2019 - 08:00

    Update pls OP

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join