How To Call References After Interview

When Do Employers Call References

Do Employers Check References?

Employers typically contact references toward the end of the hiring process. They narrow down their candidate pool to just a few choices, giving them time to contact each reference. They use these references to help them decide between the last few candidates and ensure they hire the right person for the job.

Employers could ask for references at any point in the hiring process. It’s usually helpful to prepare a list of references when you first start looking for jobs so you can offer it whenever the employer asks. This shows that you’re prepared and eager to get the job.

Signs That You Got The Job After An Interview

Here are several signs that indicate you’ll get the job after the interview.

Body language gives it away

You hear “when” and not “if”

Conversation turns casual

You’re introduced to other team members

They indicate they like what they hear

There are verbal indicators

They ask about salary expectations

They discuss follow-up processes

The interviewer hands you their card and number

The interviewer asks your impression

The interviewer asks about transition steps

You’re given a tour

They contact your references

You Hear When And Not If

If an interviewer strongly believes that you’re the right person for the position, it can come across in the word choice. For example, they may accidentally use words like “when” or “will” instead of “if,” which strongly indicate they’re thinking about you taking the role. For example, using phrases like, “when you start…” or “this is who you will…”

Who To Use As A Reference

A reference is someone willing to personally vouch for a candidate’s performance. A reference can be just about anyone, although some are better options than others. Some possible reference options include:

Previous managers or supervisors
Athletic coaches
Family friends or long-time friends.

Who candidates can use as references usually depends on where they are in their careers. For example, someone just starting out may rely on high school teachers and coaches, while someone with decades of experience will use former managers.

When Do You Check References

What is Thank You Email After Interview?

After you have interviewed all candidates whom you would consider hiring, and selected your final candidate. This is the candidate whose references should be obtained.

Do not attempt to obtain references before receiving permission from the candidate or before deeming them as a final candidate. Permission is received during the interview or once a decision has been made to move forward with their candidacy. Contacting supervisors prematurely can impact the relationship between the employee and their current supervisor.

It is not uncommon for an applicant to withhold permission to speak to the current supervisor during the interview process. In this case, an offer can be made contingent on the receipt of a positive reference from their current supervisor.

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Request References Does It Mean Close To Getting A Job

Brisbane

Redguard wrote: Depends on when they’re asking.I find that some staffing firms and recruiters are developing a habit of asking for references before actually conducting an interview. Which, IMO, is BS.But if you’ve had 2 interviews with an employer and then they’ve asked for references, it’s a pretty good sign.

TooSoonJr wrote: this

firefly767 wrote: lol, i was almost gonna ask the same thing.one potential employer asked for 3 supervisor references for the interview. I thought it was BS since they only gave me 5 days notice for the interview. I am crossing my fingers that they dont call my references without good reason >

Smog wrote: Your potential employer told you to bring 3 references before an interview? And did you end up getting the job?My plan is to walk into an interview with no references. Then tell them that I will email the list of references within a day or so. What do you think about this? It will give me the opportunity to give my references a heads up right after my interview instead of getting a surprise call.

Toronto

Waterloo

Check To See If Your References Are Up To Date

If your former employer is no longer in business, a quick search on LinkedIn or another comparable search engine can help you reconnect with a former boss or supervisor.

Three references are sufficient. Use character references if you are new to the workforce. You can get a character reference written for you by a teacher, college professor, an organization where you volunteered, or your church youth minister. Character references are acceptable.

References are an important aspect of the job include them in your resume and refrain from using the phrase References available upon request. Hiring managers will move on to the next best candidate.

To be clear, if your references are outdated, you may lose out on a job opportunity. Your references, on the other hand, are not to blame for your lucking out. References are normally contacted towards the end of the interview process, as previously stated.

The recruiting team reviews the entire interview process as well as each candidate to determine who is the greatest fit for the position.

Joe Flanagan

Senior Employment Advisor, VelvetJobs

Why references are important

References basically speak to a potential employees character. If you have strong references, then your chances of getting hired are higher.

Which reference do you think carries more weight?

Will the references be contacted?

In addition, the choice of references can be diverse. You can have various references that speak to different aspects of your life:

Alex Moss

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Do Companies Check Your References Before The Interview

When to Expect a Reply After a Job Interview

When it comes to getting hired, every step in the process can be a nail-biter. When your entire livelihood hangs in the balance, it’s normal to ask questions like, “Is it a good sign if they ask for references?” You may be dying to know when the employer is going to call your references, but since every company has different protocols, it may be best to assume employers are checking them right away.

Reference Check Could Happen At Almost Any Stage In The Hiring Process

Best Time to Follow-Up After First Job Interview

When an employer is seriously considering a job candidate, one or more references are often called. Depending on the position sought, a reference check could happen at almost any stage in the hiring process, but usually, it happens at the last stage.

Most often, when they have short-listed few candidates of interest and want to perform some vetting. Once the employer has made a job offer, employers will check references to ensure new hires are going to be a good fit before the hiring process is finalized.

Job title
The name of an employer

To get more specific information on the position that was held, obtain copies of performance evaluations, certifications, or checking on information that applicants left off of a resume.

To gather additional information about the candidate, such as their reason for leaving a previous job and how long they worked there.

When calling references, employers will typically address their questions to the person listed as Current/Recent Supervisor/Manager in the resume.

Whenever a candidate receives the reference check notice from a prospective employer, keep in mind that they are taking a big step in hiring. Any negative comments from references can be a deal-breaker.

Clay Burnett

President and Executive Recruiter, Clay Burnett Group

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Employers Typically Call References After The Candidate Interviews For The Position

They also call references when the candidate receives an offer letter and before signing the employment contract.

It is crucial for candidates to be on-point with their responses. If they have not given you an opportunity to explain yourself, it is best to find out why this was the case. In some cases, employers will leave a voicemail on your behalf if they have not been able to reach you by phone but are still interested in speaking with you.

There are three types of references:

Professional references

Certified Talent Optimization Consultant

Employers Call References When They Are Deciding Between A Few Top Contenders

It isnt a good use of employers time to call references for every applicant. Many employers will call just a handful of references after employees have already had interviews and they are in their final round of deciding.

At this point, checking references is just part of the protocol, but if someone has a negative reference, the job will easily go to another candidate.

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Why Should You Conduct A Reference Check

Think youve found the right candidate for the job? Make sure and still conduct a reference check. Why put so much time and energy into the interview process and then skip this crucial step?

You should conduct references checks to:

Spot potential red flags and warning signs about previous behavior.

Ensure employment history information is accurate such as dates of employment and job duties and job title.

Verify facts and skillsets by speaking with former managers.

Discover how the candidate interacts with coworkers and takes direction from supervisors.

Learn about the candidates work ethic, working style, dependability, attitude, and communication skills.

You’re An Intern Who’s Taken On A Number Of Additional Responsibilities

Interview Acknowledgement Letter Templates

TopResume career expert Amanda Augustine told Business Insider that it’s important for interns looking for a full-time offer to demonstrate that they’re capable of more than busy work.

If you’ve already done this, it’s a good omen.

“If your role has evolved and you’re taking on greater responsibility, it’s a sign you’ve proven your value to your boss and can be trusted to handle bigger projects,” Augustine said. “While this doesn’t guarantee a full-time job offer upon graduation, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.”

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Inform The Candidates Upfront You Check References

Want an easy way to weed out candidates with poor references or problems to hide? Be upfront about the reference check and you may find that your candidate list shrinks itself.

The people that you do interview will tend to be more accurate and honest during the interview process. Add this tip to your reference best practices.

As A General Rule We Dont Check References Until A Candidate Is Short

Its time-consuming, so we dont do this for every candidate. Also, we dont check references for every candidate, even when theyre selected for a position. Typically, references are more relevant for higher-profile positions.

Candidates who are nearing the end of a recruitment cycle and still standing for management positions will have their references checked. Its often clear whos warned their references that they might be getting a call.

When a reference seems blind-sighted by a call, we can sometimes take this to show a lack of preparedness and professionalism from the candidate.

So, job seekers, take note: Always communicate with your references when youre job hunting.

Luis Rolon

HR Business Partner, Resume-Now

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You’re Introduced To Other Team Members

One of the top signs that you’ve performed well during an interview is that they introduce you to other members of the team to talk to while you’re there. Typically, the interviewer would only make multiple other introductions with team members and decision-makers if they think you’re a great fit for the role.

Talk To The Right People: Have Your Candidates Help You Reach Out To Their Former Managers

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS ASK YOUR JOB REFERENCES?

Instead of having candidates give you a list of their reference choices, ask them to include the names and phone numbers of their former managers on their application. Understandably, they may not want you talking to their current boss if their new job search is a secret. If thats the case, ask to talk to a manager from a previous role.

This is a fair request, and the way your candidates respond are they helpful or evasive? may be a critical clue to what kind of employee they might be.

In addition, your candidate may be the ideal person to set up your reference calls. The candidate has well-established relationships with any references, who may be much more willing to chat if they believe they can help a former colleague by doing them a favor.

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The Reference Stage Often Comes Towards The End Of The Hiring Process

Managers tend to undertake it when they have narrowed down the list of potential candidates to the most qualified ones. After all, undertaking a reference check for 50+ candidates is draining and a little bit too tasking.

A reference check helps managers figure out the personality fits that would work best with their existing teams. If anything, talking to a person whos previously worked with the candidate tends to give you more insight into their personalities and their skills.

For candidates, the best references tend to be professional ones.

Providing personal references tends to reduce the depth of your application. As an employer, I would definitely prefer to speak to a former employee rather than your friends or a teacher. A former employee provides a more in-depth professional source compared to personal friends.

Kathryn McDavid

CEO, Editors Pick

The Importance Of Following Up

Following up with the people you communicate with during each stage of the hiring process shows that you are grateful and excited about the position. This will likely help to increase your chances of getting to the next interview, and eventually receiving an offer.

Writing a thoughtful follow-up expressing your enthusiasm about the job, thanking the reader for their time and including anecdotes from your conversation shows strong soft skills. Because soft skills are more difficult to teach in the workplace, candidates that show respect, communication and active listening skills will be highly sought-after by employers. It will also make you a more memorable candidate as you will have had more communicative touch-points than those who did not send a follow-up.

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Why Do Employers Check References

Employers check references for the following reasons:

To double-check your credentials. An employer may use a reference to verify that all of the information on your resume is true. This is especially important for roles that require a high level of education, training, skills and experience.
To learn about your character. Your reference can attest to who you are as a person and a professional. An employer may use this as an opportunity to learn more about your personality and whether you work well with others.
To gain additional information about your career. Your references may be able to provide additional details about your previous roles and responsibilities. Employers can learn about what you contributed to previous teams.

Incorporate Your New Employee Into The Work Schedule

Thank You Letter After Phone Interview Sample

Now that youve hired a new team member, its time to incorporate her into the work schedule. But scheduling multiple employees through a variety of different shifts is another one of those tasks that busy managers often dread.

Even though you cant get away from the need to schedule your employees and keep them on-task, you can simplify and streamline the process with a cloud-based app like Sling.

Sling is a suite of tools that are specifically designed with busy managers in mind. Sling combines the simplicity of a calendar view and the easy access of cloud-based technology with other advanced features like:

An integrated time clock that allows employees to clock in and out right from their phone or mobile device.
A messaging app that makes it easy to share photos, videos, and links send messages and chat with employees either in groups or in private conversations.
A newsfeed that acts as a digital hub for all your team member.
A task list that helps you assign specific jobs to groups or individuals.

Within each of those five main components, Sling is packed with intuitive tools like employee and task color coding, recurring shifts, and time-off notices. Sling even makes notifying employees about no-shows and available shifts easy with advanced communication features and push notifications sent directly to their phones.

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Employee scheduling

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Recruiters Ask References To Fact

When a recruiter calls a reference, they arent just looking to hear good things about you. Rather, theyre digging deep into their research to determine if the way youve represented yourself aligns with your previous employers assessment of your performance. In other words, have you been lying to them?

According to Carlie Smith, director of talent management at Circle, a crypto finance company in Boston, conducting a reference call also provides an opportunity for recruiters to ask questions about a red flag or concern that has arisen during the hiring process.

If your reference gives you a bad recommendation, this could impact your chances, which is why Foss advises you to always touch base with your professional references before having a potential employer contact them.

Candidates should specifically ask their reference, Can I count on you to give me a favorable reference? If theres any hesitation, pick someone else, she says.

Employers Usually Call References At The End Of The Hiring Process

Employers usually call references at the end of the hiring process when they are close to making their final decision. Typically, there are just two or three candidates that still are considered for the job. In essence, youre at the finish line, and its about inches if you win or not.

Every applicant has strengths and weaknesses in the eyes of the recruiter. One might have more job experience, whereas the other could be a better cultural fit.

Employers call references to get more insights about a candidate and spot any potential red flags that are not visible at first glance. Thats why its essential to have a solid list of references ready. Make sure to reach out to your references ahead of time to confirm your potential employer can contact them and if their contact information is up to date.

Also, remember to use references that are relevant to the position you apply for. Its better if your employer contacts your former manager from the same professional field rather than a college professor that used to teach you calculus many years ago.

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