How Can I Prevent Potential Employers From Calling References Unless An Offer is on the Table

[Anonymous]

In the past two months, I've had three jobs call my references. In one instance, I got a verbal offer and then funding was pulled and all vacancies for that Division were put on hold. Two weeks ago, all of my references were called for another position I had interviewed for but have not received an offer. Last week, I got word from one of my reference that they had been called about my candidacy for another job. So, in an abundance of caution, I give my other references for this position a heads up so they are not caught off guard if they get a call and then again. . . nothing (other references weren't called and have not heard back yet).

I know that my references are good (that is not the issue). However, I want to avoid employers contacting my references in a short period of time when there is no offer on the table. It's awkward to reach out to my references and give them a heads up and then they ask, "Oh, I thought you were getting an offer from X job - what happened?" I recall hearing that you can indicate that references can only be contacted with a contingent offer. Is that possible? What do you recommend.

[Anonymous]

ugh. references are so outdated. I'm so sorry OP. No advice. Try applying to more modern places that realize that references are going to be "good" of course.

[Anonymous]

Do you include references on your initial packet? I usually indicate that references are available upon request and then have a conversation with the potential employer about the sensitivity of the inquiry.

[Anonymous]

If you provide references, you should assume that references can be called. Your option is to not provide the references until you have an offer.

However, there is not a thing you can do to prevent anyone from reaching out to people you work with to ask about you, even if you haven't named them as references.

[Anonymous]

you say contact available on request

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, the places I have apply require that I list references - essentially, you cannot move on to the additional stage of the application until you list three references.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, the places I have apply require that I list references - essentially, you cannot move on to the additional stage of the application until you list three references.

I remember seeing this for a UN job. I scrapped my application at that stage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, the places I have apply require that I list references - essentially, you cannot move on to the additional stage of the application until you list three references.

It’s the worst. My most recent job required a reference from my (then) current manager before an offer could be made, so I had to fess up before it was even a done deal. Then they required five more references on top of that. I had to dig deep. It was ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, the places I have apply require that I list references - essentially, you cannot move on to the additional stage of the application until you list three references.

Then you're not in a line of work that aligns with your expectations. I've never provided references before an offer in 20+ years. So, it's an industry issue.

[Anonymous]

If they are going to make calls it’s because you have an offer and key terms and this is final step.

Obviously if references prove yours not who you say you are, you’re done for. But it’s usually more confirmatory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, the places I have apply require that I list references - essentially, you cannot move on to the additional stage of the application until you list three references.

That’s fine, but they should be told - if they don’t say so themselves - not to call anyone until you green light it later.

Later meaning you’ve done more interview rounds, have a sense of comp package and if you want the job or not. Then they ask and you green light references.

[Anonymous]

This would highly annoy me.

[Anonymous]

Short answer: You can’t.

Surprised companies still ask for references. Many employers forbid employees from giving them for liability reasons, and will only confirm salary and dates.

[Anonymous]

Tell your references that you are applying to work for morons because the economy is tough, and you really appreciate them helping you in this tough time, and give them a nice food gift.

[Anonymous]

This is a big red flag for a bad employer, but that only helps if you have other options.