Do you ask for references before or after handing in notice?

[chatenoire]

I haven't been asked for references in years! So I'm fairly out of touch about the etiquette. All I remember is that normally they should be addressed to HR.

Neither. The new employer contacts your old employers hr team directly

I've never been expected to gather my own references, I've just supplied a name if known and contact details.

but what I mean is.... Do I give my notice first or before they contact my employer for references.

Notice first normally. Unless special pre screening needed.

your current employer are legally obliged to provide dates of employment.

I'd just give notice, they will expect to be contacted for a reference. If you are putting your previous employer as well as current then maybe contact them and ask if the details you have for HR (or whoever) are still relevant. That's what I did recently.

You definitely hand in your notice before a new employer contacts your current one for references. Otherwise it's the equivalent of your husband's mistress coming in to measure up for curtains while you're on the sofa in your PJs.

I always let my boss know to expect a reference request but then I'm pretty honest when I'm ready to move on!

I have informed my manager that they will be asked for references and I have a job offer but that I'm not handing in my official notice yet as I'm waiting for x or y. So they are aware but the 3 months notice don't start yet.

Isn't it addressed to HR?? My notice is only one week as I'm still within my probation period.

I'd not hand in my notice until I had a firm job offer which included them confirming my references & all other paperwork were satisfactory. For a start, in my sector it can take weeks for them to get their finger out and ask for / supply the references so you could easily find yourself leaving before you have a start date.

Having said that, by the time references come up I would definitely have told my boss I have a job offer.

It makes for a protracted period of uncertainty for everyone and it's not great, but I know people who've got bitten by doing it the other way round and the manager has refused to extend their notice period when everything's still up in the air.

Depends what sector you work in! In teaching, you apply for jobs totally openly and your current school gets the request for references before you even go for interview.