AIBU to not want protential employer to request a reference before my interview?

11 replies

Digdeep79 · 15/10/2018 12:11

I have applied for a job which would be real career progression for me. I have been asked to interview. However, they have asked if they can request my reference from my current employer before interview.

I'm or keen for this to happen as I don't really want my current employer knowing I am job hunting until I am offered a new job? It would just make things awkward.

I am more than happy for them to request my second reference prior to interview as obviously I don't work there anymore.

What is the usual protocol for this?

OP posts:

WhatAboutTheWeather · 15/10/2018 12:12

Just say no - they must understand that is not standard practice.

NicoAndTheNiners · 15/10/2018 12:12

Just say you’d rather not. I recently started a new job and prior to interview I requested that they didn’t approach any referees prior to interview. They were fine with this.

MrsStrowman · 15/10/2018 12:13

That's unusual, can you just explain to them your current employer is unaware you are job hunting, you are happy to provide second reference in advance, and first reference if you are successful?

mimibunz · 15/10/2018 12:15

They should really only check references if they are serious about you as a candidate. Otherwise your referees can be inundated with reference requests.

lifecouldbeadream · 15/10/2018 12:24

If this is public sector it is fairly normal, but so would explaining that you don’t want them to.

InstagramPork · 15/10/2018 12:35

Urgh this happened to me! I applied for a job and before they’d even asked me for an interview they had contacted my employer requesting a reference.
I was mortified and furious. My boss was obviously annoyed with me and my team turned against me. It’s was awful

megletthesecond · 15/10/2018 12:36

Yanbu.
It would put you in a rotten, and vulnerable, position with your current boss.

amicissimma · 15/10/2018 12:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SpoonBlender · 15/10/2018 12:42

YANBU. That's really not normal, and is obviously a stupid idea.

Are you sure you want to work for a company with such bad HR practice?

AccidentallyRunToWindsor · 15/10/2018 13:50

I manage recruitment for a large company and that's ludicrous.

References are only taken once a verbal offer is made.

Thisreallyisafarce · 15/10/2018 14:24

Say no. If they withdraw the offer to interview - which I am not actually sure they can do anyway - you hadn't found the right company.

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