Is this common before the interview?

[Happykitty9]

I’ve been invited to an interview and have been asked if they can get references before my interview. Is this common? I always thought it would be when you have been offered the job. It’s been a while since I’ve had an interview though. Thank you

It's not uncommon.

Different employers manage asking for references differently. Some ask for reference for shortlisted candidates before interview, some once the post has been offered.

I think it’s terribly awkward when they do this. Especially when they insist on current employer, which happened to a friend recently - her employer didn’t know she was looking! Also I had one interview where they sent my two professional referees a huge document that took them ages to fill in. Then after interview, I decided I didn’t want the job.

After that, I was reluctant to apply for other jobs that would require references before first interview as there would soon come a time when my referees would understandably get fed up and just provide basic info.