to feel I may lose this job offer if my references take much longer?!

[JuliesSistersCousinsAuntsCat]

Offered a job over 2 weeks ago. All details received etc for references, lovely I thought. Going smoothly. Phoned them yesterday to see how things were coming along and if they had decided on a start date for me. Informed they haven't received either references. They were requested 2 weeks ago! I have just 2 more weeks in my current job left, I don't want to get to the end and still no further forward.

Is it possible for my (nearly) new employers to withdraw job offer if they have to wait so long for the references? I contacted both to remind them about it and mentioned I can't start until they have been given.

[FutTheShuckUp]

In most jobs they recommend you dont hand your notice in until they have received satisfactory references.
What would you do if they weren't satisfactory and the job offer was withdrawn?

[JuliesSistersCousinsAuntsCat]

Oh really?

Why would they not be satisfactory? As in, what type of things would not be to their satisfaction? And how do people manage to obtain a reference before handing in notice if one has to be current employer (like mine)? That's having to give away you are one step away from leaving before you do. Ouch.

[Blankiefan]

References often take ages to chase up. It might be worth chasing them yourself (for example, giving your current HR dept a nudge.) it's a hassle for your new employer to chase so if you can help/prompt a response, I'm sure that'd be ok....

Things that could be unsatisfactory might be a lot of absence or any disciplinaries on your record. Most employers would shy away from giving a "bad" reference unless there was something absolute/proven.... Do you have anything to worry about?

[JuliesSistersCousinsAuntsCat]

Absence yes, I had a lot of time off beginning of last year due to a prolapsed disc. That's all dealt with because I cleared their occupational health form request. Nothing else, I'm just worried about not starting as soon as expected and having a gap where I'm not earning.

[Hiphopopotamus]

I've had this before, and unfortunately ended up with a month long gap between one job ending, and the new one starting. (I had not handed in my notice, but my contract had come to an end) I found that the best thing was for me to chase my references up myself, and email/phone as much as necessary. People sometimes just need a few prods! I also stressed that the delay in sending a reference was causing me genuine problems.

[fatfingers]

I have never handed in notice before all references received by new employer and formal offer has been received in writing either. I have always just told current employer I have been verbally offered another job and they will be receiving a reference request.

I am waiting to start a new job at the moment and one reference has taken 2 months!! I had to chase it myself in the end, hassling people with emails and telephone calls to make sure it was done.