Company asked for references

A company asked me for references after an interview.
If they ask for references, does it mean they are seriousely interested in hiring, then if they don't?

Anon
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Of course they're interested. If they weren't interested, why would they want references? They're not gonna waste their time checking out references for someone who has no chance of getting the job.

Bizarro Bella
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

It depends on their practices.  I have been asked for references and never had them contacted, and I have had them contacted and asked very detailed questions.

The real question is, who did the request come from, an HR contact or the manager doing the hiring.  If it is the former it might just be procedure, if it is the later it is probably serious (who's going to waste their time calling three people for each potential candidate if they weren't serious).

Don't forget to contact your references and make them aware that they may be called, tell them about the company and position and why you're trying for the job.  The better informed they are the better they'll come off.

Lou
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

It's the manager doing the hiring actually who took my references

Anon
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Asking for references is either good or neutral news. That means its not bad news! :-)

They will either contact them or not. Employers are lazy. If they can scare away some people by asking for references (and then not calling them), then good for them. :-)

runtime
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Was it an agency or the employer directly.

Agencies tend to do it at the first interview.

Most employers will wait till they are serious about you.

Tapiwa
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

It was the hiring manager of the interviewer, not an agency

Anon
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

It used to be normal to request the references with the application.  Not that I've applied anywhere recently but I doubt I'd do that now.

Simon Lucy
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

It is also a delay tactic.
Asking makes them seem interested so you do not accept another position while they interview others.

Doug Withau
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

I'm tempted to say that Doug is being cynical but the man's got a point.

Faux Englishman
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

NO

Evgeny Gesin /Javadesk/
Tuesday, November 25, 2003

"Asking for references is either good or neutral news. That means its not bad news!"

Depends on the references ;-)

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

One problem with references:

Most companies will not actually give out references. Well, nothing more than 'person X worked here'. Because anything said can be grounds for a lawsuit.

It's often company policy that employees must adhere to this statement, or even refer callers to HR.

mb
Wednesday, November 26, 2003

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