When do employers contact referees?

[cinnamonchips]

I’m applying for a job which it’s very unlikely I’ll get as it’s a big step up but I believe I could do it so trying anyway! I don’t want to tell my current employer yet but they will have to be one of my references. Am I right in thinking most places would only contact referees if they’re inviting you for interview or even once they’ve offered you the job? I will tell my current employer if I’m invited for interview but I don’t want to tell them if I don’t get anywhere with it! What’s your experience with this?

Schools and employers with similar safeguarding practices will request references if you are selected for interview. You can always add a note to say please do not contact without checking with you.

Not too sure what role your applying for but I’ve always stated - references upon request or upon job offer. You are within your right to do this. Good luck

In my field (higher ed), we only check references after offer.

I wouldn’t say anything to an employer until offer stage

I don’t put my referees on my bc I write available on requesting I also wouldn’t say anything unless you get offered the job. Employers don’t react well sometimes if they knows you are looking elsewhere.

I had to include three referees on the application form but I really hope they don’t call them up if I’m not even getting an interview! Surely that would be a massive waste of time. Thanks for your replies. X

@cinnamonchips If they are included there should be an option of “not to be contacted until job offer” or you could write available upon request.

[quote Lilye88]@cinnamonchips If they are included there should be an option of “not to be contacted until job offer” or you could write available upon request.[/quote]
Unfortunately it didn’t say that - wish it did! I’m so unlikely to even get an interview that I’m going to keep quiet at work for now...