Stupid questions about conditional job offers

[Corporatepreggolady]

I have a job offer that's conditional on quite in-depth background (and reference) checks.

So when do I hand in my notice to current employer? It feels odd to do it before I have an unconditional offer. But that won't happen until they've done the reference checks - eg, spoken to my current employer.

Catch 22?

I recruit in a field with high level vetting, I wouldn't expect someone to give formal notice to current employer until vetting is cleared, wet also don't offer/negotiate a start date until vetting is complete

Whereas my DH had to leave his job before being accepted to take a course to find out if he had a job. We had 2 young kids and a mortgage and I was terrified, but all went well. So the answer depends on the job really.

Thank you!

So I guess I should give my employer an informal heads up to tell them that new employer will be in touch for checks?

I had this done as was joining a financial services institution and had the same concerns! It's normally done by an outsourced company and those types of checks can be done for anything including mortgage requests etc. I wouldn't worry too much. There's not a lot you can do if you want the job unfortunately!

I wouldn't resign until vetting was complete. It would be polite to give your employer the heads up about the request for a reference that they'll receive shortly. it will be fine x

I would inform my employer if I am aware that they are being contacted but not resign. Then resign when the unconditional offer is received