THE QUESTION
I was recently asked for three references for a two-month contract job. I supplied the references, which involved contacting five people, putting them in touch with the employer, and outlining the relevance of each reference to the job I was applying for. Three of the references were then asked to send written references to the prospective employer.
After a week went by with no response, I found out I wasn't even selected for an interview. (I did see the references and they were all positive, so presumably it was some combination of lack of experience or not being a good fit for the job.)
Is checking references so early in the selection process a new practice? It seems very inconvenient to job seekers and references. Not only was it a waste of time and an inconvenience for me and them (one of my references had a family emergency she put aside to deal with it), but I am reluctant to now ask them for another reference for my next job application. Surely they're going to get tired of hearing from me.
Is there a way to avoid this in the future without looking like I'm not interested in the position?
THE ANSWER
More employers are asking for references at the start of the interview process.
They are not only asking for references that you provide; they are often asking shortlisted candidates to sign forms stating that they can contact anyone with whom have worked, not just your formal references.
You run the risk of not being considered for a position if you refuse to provide references or refuse to sign a form allowing the prospective employer to talk to any of your former or current bosses and work colleagues.
You can ask the interviewers not to contact your current boss or colleagues unless you are the final candidate or one of two final candidates. They should respect this because they do not want to jeopardize your current employment situation. You need to write this on the form if they present one to you. Ask them to sign it and give you a copy.
Make sure that you prepare your references and keep them up to date on the positions that you are applying for. First, ask whether they are comfortable providing a reference – both written and verbal. If they say yes, tell them you will provide them with your résumé as well as the job ad or description for any position that you are likely to be short-listed for.
Also tell them that you will let them know if they are likely to be contacted for a verbal reference. Say you will let them know if there are particular areas you want them to highlight in the reference check.
If a potential reference says they cannot comfortably provide you with a reference or even if they hesitate in responding to your request, then look for someone else. If you hear that someone on your list has not provided a positive recommendation, then you will also want to find another reference.
Don't hesitate to ask a reference what he/she will say about you. You can steer them toward what you would like them to highlight about you. You can even ask them to give you a written reference that you can keep on file.
With respect to not landing a position when you know that your contacts have provided positive references, you will want to follow up with the potential employer to find out why you were not selected for a position or an interview.
Ask them why you were not selected and what you would need to do next time to be the successful candidate. Do not settle for the typical answers such as 'There were stronger candidates who were a better fit.' Ask them to specify why they were seen as stronger and a better fit.
Remember to be open and positive during interviews and the reference-checking process.
If you appear to be hesitant, defensive or withholding information, then you are less likely to land a position or even an interview.
Bruce Sandy (@brucesandy) is principal of Pathfinder Coaching and Consulting and www.brucesandy.com. He works with leaders and job seekers in Canada and internationally.
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Bruce Sandy