I've been a runner up and then called 4 months later and offered the job when the candidate didn't work out, so you never know

Hang in there.

This happened to me. Two rounds of interviews and reference check. I did not get the job. They did follow up and tell me I was the runner up which isn’t a great feeling when you need a job.

OP again. Recruiter told me it’s between me and another candidate coming down to references. I’m so anxious. This is truly torture…

OP here— thanks all for keeping me honest. The recruiter did say that the hiring manager would be calling my references and I know the last round they were down to 3, so good to know they might be calling references on all of us…

Ugh. Here’s hoping for good news. I can’t take it anymore!

My husband usually has it narrowed down quite substantially, but references are often an important part of decision making process. He’ll typically get references for 2-3 candidates and only hire one.
Good luck - hope it works out for you.

We always check references for the final two candidates - we only hire one

I agree with other posters above that “asking for” vs “actually calling” references both carry different levels of hope. But that said, even if references are called, there is no certainty on the offer coming through. I tend to subscribe to the view that until the written offer is in your inbox and all of the final checks are cleared (eg background check), nothing is even close to probable. Especially in this market.

Asking for your references is not the same as calling them. We ask a lot of candidates for a reference list. We read it to see who they listed and if we know anyone. If we actually call it is generally because we are down to 2 or 3 candidates though.

All the time. I’ve provided references several times for very well-qualified candidates and then been informed that they did not receive the offer. It might be field-dependent but it definitely happens.

Just a way to weed you out and an excuse to ghost you.

In the experience of most people in my circle, asking for references is just one of the many hoops to jump through that do not necessarily lead to an offer.

Now if they actually contact your references... that's puts you in a small circle of favorite candidates, perhaps the sole candidate. But nothing is guaranteed, even if your references are glowing. Sometimes there are issues beyond the candidate that blow up the job offer.

Of they ask for and actually talk to your references, it is a good sign. They are not going to talk to multiple references for different candidates. That would be a waste of their time.

It's possible not to get an offer. BTDT.

Got a note from recruiter late yesterday that they want to reach out to my references (including current supervisor) after interview round 3. This is for a senior role in a small field. My boss knows I’m looking so not worried about that (at a federal contractor that will likely have another round of layoffs before year end). I know I’ll get strong references from both my boss and the other colleague I provided.

I’ll talk to the recruiter next week and ask, but I’m curious how often multiple candidates are asked for references vs. only one? I need to calibrate my hopes here of how likely that they’ll do reference checks and still reject me….