Please reply ASAP

[AvaD]

hi, i am in the middle of processing an application for a new job. One of the sections on the application are references.

All offers of employment and start dates are subject to pre-employment references that are satisfactory to us.

Does this mean...they will contact my current employer BEFORE i am actually given the job?!

TIA! ava x

[vodkancoke]

I don't think they can. Why not give a previous employer as your reference?

[MarkRae]

Er, if you include your current employer as one of your referees, then of course they will!

[ummmm]

No, they will offer you the job before contacting your employer. The job is subject to suitable references so you you don't get the 'satisfactory' reference they can or will withdraw the job offer.

[sherrardk]

In teaching, they used to call for references before letting candidates know they had an interview.

[MarkRae]

Which is still the case all over the place, sher. They shouldn't, but they do...

[Ellipsis]

The normal process would be that you would get an offer conditional on references; you would then accept that offer and agree to the references being followed up; and then your employer would/could be contacted, if you've cited them as a reference.

[Nibble]

As your prospective employer would want to know how you function in your most recent employment, then IF you put your current employer as a reference, they'll most certainly contact your current employer to check as to your suitability for your new role.

[Nibble]

^ However, as most employers take new staff on a trial basis, and any employment is subject to satisfactory references, they'll most likely do this during your trial period.

[AvaD]

My previous employer was when i was much younger and i didn't really make a good go of that job. I know my current employer will provide me with a good reference however it is somewhat of a gamble putting their nose out of joint if i do not get the job...

[AvaD]

More specifically, the new job i have applied for is part time contact centre work for the AA...

[AvaD]

thankyou very much for your hasty replies.

[atalanta]

If you are not offered the job, they will probably not take up your references. Even if you are shortlisted for interview, they still may not take up references until an offer is made. That way, they only have to ask for ( probably) 3 references. If there is a short list of 6, they might have to get and check 18 references, if they do all that before the interviews.
So not much need to worry about your present employers getting annoyed at finding out you want to change jobs.

[Maydup]

Its essential to give your current employer as a referee, but perfectly acceptable to write underneath - please only contact with my consent.

That covers you for being offered the job but not accepting and therefore not consenting to approaching your employer for a reference.

[Prudie]

Be aware that unless it's a personal referee then a company reference is unlikely to do more than confirm the dates you worked there. They won't comment on your actual ability or performance.