References will normally be contacted if invited for interview

[Bambamb]

Hi,

I'm currently on maternity leave but am not sure I want to return to my old job for various reasons. I've seen a great job come up that I'm going to apply for, however it says on the application form that they will contact referees if invited for an interview.

I reckon I've got a good chance of getting an interview but really don't wish to tell my manager that I'm looking elsewhere just yet. Main reason being that I'm not 100% sure I want to leave, it depends on what part time hours I can agree and what work there will be for me for when/if I return. I'm due to have a discussion with my current manager about this soon. Also, I'm not applying for lots of jobs, it's just this ONE that has come up that I can't pass up as it would fit with family life so well I'd be crazy not to try for it.

So, two questions really:

1. There is a box to tick on the application form if it's not convenient for them to contact referees at this stage. If I tick this could it be detrimental to my application in any way do you think? I'd rather they wait until I have a job offer!

2. If/when it comes to telling my manager that I am applying for this role shall I be honest and say that I'd probably stay if he can give me certain part time hours, more working from home, more interesting work etc.? I wouldn't have a problem telling him this if I get the new job - nothing to lose - but if it's only at interview stage this could spoil the good working relationship that I currently have with him.

Any advice gratefully received, thanks!

Don't think it's detrimental, I always tick it if it's there and have got interviews. I think it's maybe for people out of work/ on redundancy notice.

Also if you want to stay I would give the reduced hours as a reason for leaving and say you applied for this role as it was an opportunity to do a great job part time but you'd like to stay if they could offer you similar. It would be no different to handing in your notice and getting a counter offer to stay. They can only say no

Thanks for this, form sent and box ticked. Fingers crossed!