Reference request prior to being interviewed

[Needanewadventure2021]

Hi

I have been invited to two interviews at different schools for a similar role, office admin. I have been asked if they can approach my referees for references now but the interviews aren't for another 2 weeks. Is this normal practice now to obtain the references even before interview stage? My current employer doesn't know I am looking elsewhere and ideally I wouldnt want them to know until I was offered the job. This is because it will make my working atmosphere very uncomfortable especially if I was unsuccessful, he would be aware I want to leave.
For context I have many fair grounds to want to move on. I have been treated very unfairly for the last 18 months (although to be honest my entire 7 years of employment with them I've felt the same way) so I shouldn't really care how they feel about my wishes to move on. But I don't want to feel more uncomfortable whilst I work there.

Thanks in advance

It's unusual! I would say no

It's quite normal in some sectors, yes, but they're usually very understanding if you don't want your current employer contacted. Is there a second referee that they can contact prior to the interview?

As an interviewer, I much prefer to have references in advance but will happily look to second/third referees if the candidate doesn't want their current employer contacted at that stage.

Yes I have said my second one can be contacted, just not my current one, just yet.

They did seem understanding. It's not that I am worried that I won't be successful, the only thing that worries me is that I've never worked within a school setting, otherwise I'm classed as senior in the tasks for the role. It's if I wasn't successful he will know I am looking to move on. It won't go down well. I have witnessed how staff are treated once their notice goes in. I dont want that

In my experience it’s common for schools to do this, outside of schools never heard of it being done, most places give job offer subject to references then take them up

Thank you. Fingers crossed I am offered a position and delaying the request won't jeopardise anything

Totally usual in schools.

Delaying the request definitely won't jeopardise anything, OP. I used to work in qn organisation that routinely requested references prior to interview. (Not a school - other employers often do it too.) I interviewed people regularly and never gave a second thought as to why we didn't have a reference from a current employer. If I noticed at all (not always!) I just assumed that they didn't want to their employer they were thinking of leaving before having a firm offer to go to. No big deal.

Good luck in the interview!

Thank you.

That's good to know.

I must admit I am terrified. I haven't interviewed since 2015. I suck at them as I get so nervous

It's very normal in education/schools but usually candidates are coming from other schools where the request will be understood and expected in advance. As it sounds that you are coming from outside that sector I am sure they will understand your situation and be prepared to hold off on the request from your current employer until/if you are successful. Good luck!

Yes, they were absolutely fine so that's a relief. Just got to brush up on my interviewing techniques. I'm so scared

It is normal and due to safer recruitment practices