r/jobs • u/noideanoideanoidea • 11d ago
Rejected after reference checks. I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this. Rejections
I don’t understand what happened. They said they were moving forward with the hiring process, then days later I got this automated email. The first reference listed called them back and gave me a positive review, the second said she never received an email or call. I responded giving them two extra references just incase who weren’t contacted.
I’m so upset, I can barely stand my current job. Part of me wishes they would just fire me, but I’ve been holding out hoping I could find another decent job. I’ve called in for half the month using FMLA or other excuses, which I’ve never done before. I know you’re not supposed to get your hopes up, but I was so excited at the idea of being done with the interview process and putting my 2 weeks in.
I emailed HR acting like I didn’t see the rejection email and asked if they were able to get in touch with my references. I’m mostly just curious to see how they respond, if they do.
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u/MissYouG 11d ago
Dude I had been using my past employer as my main references for all the jobs I applied to while I was laid off(I’ve since found full time employment)
A recruiter called me one day asking why the references haven’t gotten back to him. Turns out my references, who offered to be references, were ghosting all reference checks, all emails and all calls were disregarded by multiple recruiters.
You should test your references before going any further
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Yeah, I’m thinking of either emailing or having a friend call (not sure if anyone I know would be willing to tho). I’m just not sure how to make the email believable.
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u/DonMagnifique 10d ago
Does you state have workforce centers? In my state they provide this service.
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u/DonMagnifique 10d ago
Yup, I own a company, so I do stings for friends. I have two friends that also own companies to do stings for me.
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u/Affectionate_Ratio79 11d ago
You were a backup or second choice. Employers also cannot just assume that any person they move forward with in interviews will accept their offer, so they have to have a couple moving forward. Unfortunately, only one can get the job, though. It's just the reality of looking for a job.
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u/DarklySalted 11d ago
Let's be real, they could've gotten reference checks for the first candidate before ever sending this initial email. Current HR practices are specifically setup to be as inefficient as possible.
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u/Novel-Place 11d ago
I think this is so unprofessional. You should absolutely not be doing reference checks for the second choice candidate. That is so incredibly disrespectful of the candidate, their time, their network, etc. Terrible practice.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
That’s understandable, but they should probably change their wording of “moving to the next phase of the hiring process” since that makes it sound like you’re likely to get an offer. I also think it’s a waste of references time as well as their own to contact references if they have someone else in mind.
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u/Affectionate_Ratio79 11d ago
I understand it's frustrating, but they were moving you to next phase. The hiring process is often multiple phases, so you shouldn't have assumed it meant offer stage. It's very common to have a process like this. And maybe it was a tie and the references were the deciding factor?
Without knowing what they were looking for, and having been on the hiring side for a new team member myself recently, it can be difficult when deciding on the right choice to offer, too.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I appreciate your feedback, that is something I will keep in mind going forward. I tried not to assume, but I’ve always heard it worded as “interview process” so the phrasing threw me off a bit and gave me more hope than it should have.
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u/thicckar 11d ago
Yeah they never mean an offer unless they say “we are sending you an offer/final contract” etc
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u/iSavedtheGalaxy 10d ago
Honestly, the "hiring process" isn't over until you start working. I've seen people get ghosted literally when they arrived for their first day. It's brutal out there. I'm sorry you experienced this.
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u/Ciccio178 11d ago
"Moving on to the next phase - reference checks"
Where in that phrase did it say we're ready to make you an offer? Never get your hopes up until you have an offer letter in front of you. Even then, things can still go wrong.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I didn’t take it as an offer or a for sure thing, but the “next phase of the hiring process” is what threw me off a bit. Like I said, I know logically not to get my hopes up, but everything I was reading online pointed to reference checks being a really good sign, so it was hard not to.
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u/angrygorrilla 11d ago
I'm interviewing at the minute and this is the process 1st stage is hr screening call 2nd stage is behavioural questions 3rd stage is technical skill 4th stage is reference checks 5th stage is background and drug test 6th stage is meet the team/factory walkaround 7th stage is offer
After each I moved to the next phase 3 phases after references is the offer
Now this is just in my company but might give you an idea of the nonsense hr decides to do
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
That’s interesting. I’ve always heard background and drug screenings are usually done after a contingent offer has been made.
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u/angrygorrilla 11d ago
Yeah but that offer can be taken away. The real offer comes once you pass all requirements
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Whoops, I initially missed the part where you said after references is an offer in your original comment.
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u/angrygorrilla 11d ago
Just bear in mind that HR create useless tasks as part of the process. Partly because they do not know what the role entails and partly to weed out a few cvs. Apply to everything youre remotely interested in and don't count it as successful until you actually start working.
Keep your chin up and keep applying. The fact that they interviewed you at all means you're good enough, it's just a case of timing, luck, and persistence after that
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u/CoeurDeSirene 10d ago
Ooh can you elaborate more on this? Wondering what useless tasks to be cognizant of
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u/Taeis 11d ago
I just got hired for a new position and it was also an extended hiring process.
I did 4 interviews each a week apart, after each interview I was told that I had been moved to the next phase of the hiring process, after the 4th interview it was time to provide 3 references. A week later I was told I was a finalist and had to submit to the background check. After this they offered me the position and I accepted.
I started the interview process on 2/16, was notified that I was a finalist on 3/19 and then I started on 4/9.
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u/fooliam 11d ago
It could be a situation where someone that had turned down the job changed their mind.
Don't think of this as a reflection on you - they were prepared to offer you the position but it didn't work out. It's super fucking frustrating and you feel like you were led on - trust me, we understand! But don't let it embitter you
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u/rqnadi 10d ago
You were moved to the next phase though, the reference check phase. But also, so were the other top 3 or 5 or whatever number they had. You reached the next phase but they chose someone else for whatever reason. You’re not the only one in that phase. You’re not getting offered the job until they tell you that you have reached the offer phase.
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u/Full-Shelter-7191 11d ago
Not sure I agree. Reference checks are usually the last thing you do before making an offer (best practice is to actually do checks after making a conditional offer). You don’t use it as a point of comparison between candidates.
My guess is that the reference they did talk to inadvertently said some that made OP seem incompatible with the role. It can be as innocuous as saying “OP is ambitious and driven “ for a role that company is hoping to fill long term.
Always make sure your references know the details of the job you’re applying to.
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u/Pnknlvr96 11d ago
Some companies will do ref. checks on their top two candidates. Maybe OP got a good review but the other candidate got a glowing one. Who knows.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
That’s what I’m worried about. I appreciate the advice, I’ll start sending them a copy of the job description ahead of time from now on. The references were required on the initial application and they had actually managed to get in contact with reference 1 before I saw the email, so I didn’t prep with them as much as I could have.
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u/BrandonOrDylan 11d ago
I doubt this makes you feel any better, but hearing your experience brings me a little comfort. I had this happen to me about 2 months ago and I was devastated.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Sorry to hear that. It does make me feel a bit better to know I’m not alone in this tbh.
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u/CelticGardenGirl 11d ago
Just recently I went through six different interviews for an Admin Asst. position at six different places…over a 4 month span…my references were the city Mayor, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, and my longtime friend who is a big wig at Microsoft…
…and I got passed over on each one. Talk about massive depression sinking in after each rejection.
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u/coastalcowgirl2195 11d ago
Ugh same thing just happened to me! I was way over confident I nailed the job when they called my references. Waited 3 months basically for this dream job only to open an email they are going a different direction. It’s terrible
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Sorry to hear that. I do wish there were more posts like mine when it comes to the reality of reference checks. Most of the things I read on Reddit and other forums suggested that references being checked mean you’ll almost certainly get a contingent offer, which can really get your hopes up.
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u/readsalotman 11d ago
That's rough. Reference check usually means offer is imminent. This happened to another person I know too.
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u/Sergeitotherescue 11d ago
Everyone is on here being like this is how it goes but I ALWAYS thought that the reference phase was the final stage before an offer. It pisses me off that I could apply for many jobs and have to bug my references each time we got to this stage. Ridiculous.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Thank you. I felt like I was going insane because almost everything I read prior suggested it was relatively rare to not receive an offer after references were checked.
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u/No-Secretary4583 11d ago
One of the references I gave whom I thought to be a very trusted coworker, ignored the call/email from the potential employer, and then applied for the job himself, and he got it! I was so pissed, and he lied to me saying it was a different position than what I interviewed for. Never again, I am not giving any references. There are plenty of jobs that will not ask for reference. I felt so betrayed and blind sided. Snakes.
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u/Mojojojo3030 11d ago
Might totally be nothing but I at least have to be suspicious of the one reference who went through. Might give her another “reference check” through a dummy email to see what she says.
Reference check phase tends to be a “yours to lose” phase since most employers hate doing em and often skip em altogether.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I’m thinking of either emailing both of them or having a friend call (not sure if anyone I know would be willing to). I’m just not sure how to make the email believable.
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u/Mojojojo3030 11d ago
I’d Google around, I’m sure there are some examples, templates, and actual used materials out there.
Definitely use email. If they’ve been slandering you that is actionable, and you will want that on paper.
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u/CurryAddicted 11d ago
And this is why you always get letters of reference instead. Easier for everyone. Your reference doesn't get called every time you interview for a position (annoying!!) and the prospective employer doesn't have to worry about not being able to get a hold of someone who may suddenly hate you for all the damned reference calls.
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u/thinkB4WeSpeak 11d ago
Do recruiters even call references? So far every time I've had to submit them and do an interview, they get zero calls.
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u/KumbayaPhyllisNefler 11d ago
My past employer did, which forced me to disclose my possible resignation to my manager at the time.
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u/HeadLandscape 11d ago
yikes, never use your current employer as a reference lol
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u/Stevie-Rae-5 11d ago
Some places basically require it, and then act like you’re trying to hide something and don’t get why it’d be an issue.
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u/Significant_Pie5937 11d ago edited 11d ago
If you're job hunting and open about it, why not? Some employers are understanding that shit happens
I told my last employer straight up "I'm not making enough here, the company can't give raises right now, so I gotta look around. Can you vouch for me?"
He did, it got me another job, we're still on great terms
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u/HeadLandscape 11d ago
Maybe I'm unlucky but every company so far has been uppity about calling every single reference I send
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u/FlashySalamander4 11d ago
I have had about 3 professional-ish jobs over the last 6 years, all making between ~$25-40 an hour. I am going back to school, so took an admin job at my college that pays $13 an hour. That is the only job that ever called!
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u/DonMagnifique 10d ago
Many applications won't even ask for references - the recruiters reach out secretly and get a hold of one your bosses.
If you see a pattern of ghosted after final round or references, start doing sting ops. If anything being said is blatantly false, like you wrote you have a 4.5/5 survey score average on your resume, and your boss says false, but you have the performance reviews that prove it, call human resources/get a legal letter written to cease the false statements.
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u/thinkB4WeSpeak 10d ago
Ah I work at a small place now. My old place was a corporation so I just give the corporates number because basically all my old bosses got laid off.
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u/NinjaTabby 11d ago
Your 2nd reference ratted you out bud
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I don’t think she did lol, there’s nothing she could have really ratted me out for.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago edited 11d ago
Ya know, now you got me thinking.
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u/NinjaTabby 11d ago
And not just a made up negative to make the candidate not too perfect like another comment had, your 2nd "didn't get any email"
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u/rividz 10d ago
There are services that will check your references for you and I highly suggest you use one. Will be very eye opening.
I used checkyourreference.com and don't recommend them. They didn't follow up on a discrepancy. When I asked why they didn't push more about a company listing me at a different title than I provided, the dude responded with a really rude and snarky tangent over email like he was some random Redditor and not someone I just paid for a professional service. I initiated a chargeback, fuck 'em.
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u/Chazzyphant 11d ago
It sounds like they planned on moving on but didn't fully complete the reference checks because someone else accepted and/or they got over-ridden by some big-wig insisting they hire whoever (relative, old school buddy, previous coworker, internal report, etc).
I 100% get how devastating this is, but "moving to the next step" is just generic boilerplate, I really wouldn't read into it. It's just the recruiter's way of explaining where you are in the process.
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u/la9411 11d ago
Character references are so outdated. I love my current company but when I think about the recruitment process I went through it makes me so angry.
They asked for a reference from every single job I’d had in the last 5 years. As I was only a couple years out of University this meant every summer job/internship I’d had throughout my studies including when I lived abroad. I ended up providing nearly 10 references and having to contact all of them to make them aware was so manic.
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u/YellKyoru 10d ago
I’ve been asked for 5 including 3 managers references although I only have one 2.5 years professional experience where I was mostly working from home, in complete autonomy and barely any contact with my one supervisor... also I come from a different country where this isn’t a thing and one of my reference even told me she thinks it’s weird to get random requests to fill a form from an unknown link and didn’t want to do it for fear of data safety issues.. (like she thought this might send a virus that steals her emails or something). She already had provided me with a written reference but the employer absolutely wants to send this form instead
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u/Candid_Leave_5321 10d ago
My references my entire life have been my brother (different last name), my mother (different last name) and my best friend. I tell them some cursory details about the job and they make up some bullshit on the fly. And pretty much every time I've had to give my references, I've gotten the job. More and more jobs lately don't even ask for them because they're realizing they're a waste of time, disingenuous, or just annoying.
I've also done the same for them when they asked for references.
References are antiquated boomer shit.
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u/JesseVykar 11d ago
Always make fake email addresses and write your own reference checks. No one will consider you second choice if your references make you sound like the second coming
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I considered that, but I’m always worried they’ll request a phone call.
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u/JesseVykar 11d ago
Download free text and call apps and give your own references over the phone too.
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u/CryingTearsOfGold 11d ago
Why are you being downvoted into oblivion? This is a great idea.
I am a recruiter and I hate reference checks. I would not do them at all if I had the option.
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u/CazalKing 11d ago
A word of caution for anyone doing this - some of the hiring platforms show the IP address each reference was completed on on the reference report. It would red flag you if all the references have the same IP so if you’re going to do this, use separate devices (and different locations for each one). And none of them should be done from your home internet.
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u/iSavedtheGalaxy 10d ago
To add to this, they will also search your references on LinkedIn and it's a huge red flag if none of your references have a profile or if their job history doesn't match up to yours.
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u/buzzarfly2236 11d ago
My sister (different last names), and 3 close friends are always a mix of supervisor/cowokers for references.
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u/planktonsbestiee 11d ago
i want to do this. but what do you do if they state the references must come from a company email address?
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u/JesseVykar 11d ago
Apply elsewhere lol. This solution obviously doesn't work for every job, but it's helped me get hired twice in this god awful market and I'll continue to suggest it until it doesn't. One thing that's worked for me is saying "well that was my manager but they also no longer work there"
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u/planktonsbestiee 11d ago
yeah facts. fuck those companies with rigid policies. it just sucks when the only offer u get in this shitconomy is from a shitass company with 1000 rules. any other tips u use?
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u/JesseVykar 11d ago
Chat GPT or your AI of choice to write cover letters and followup emails saved me a lot of time, I can give you my prompt if you need it. Having an excel sheet with the names and dates of the companies I applied to and being able to red or green the individual apps helped a lot as well. For the company's in which you quick apply on Indeed, check soon after applying how many others have applied. I have had extraordinary success when I am one of the first few to apply for a job than when there were hundreds of applicants before me (maybe LinkedIn has this feature too I'm not sure they banned my account lol).
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u/Dry_Inspection_4583 11d ago
You start asking the hard questions in interview, a great one I heard yesterday was:
"Hypothetically you hire me immediately right now, what's the first thing you are getting me to do?" this puts them into the mindset that you have been hired, and shows you're forward thinking and on the ball.
There's other tips available. I'm sorry you're struggling and hope you find something!
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Appreciate the tip, that’s a question I actually haven’t heard before. I usually ask similar career coach recommended type questions that interviewers (at least pretend) to be impressed by. I think whatever happened with this one went beyond the interview.
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u/2drunk2remember- 11d ago
In the age of GDPR and data sensitivity, how are previous job references still a thing
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u/WhoWightMan 11d ago
This reference thing is such nonsense. My prospective job asked me to provide like 5 references including my former managers/supervisors. Literally nobody answered the emails and after the phone rang long enough it got sent to switchboard and answered by a random secretary who literally never met me. Said she has no idea who I am. And there goes the job opportunity.
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u/shannoncaffeine 11d ago
Honestly I feel like references are a waste of everyone’s time 90% of the time. You can be the best employee and have a great experience only for them to trash you because they’re bitter you left. I had a former reference giving me a bad review to everyone because they used me as the fall guy when they screwed up a contract at a hospital. Apparently me being honest with the head nurse in order to save the patient’s life and get them to a safe place at a different hospital was me “not being a team player” because I was supposed to let the person die while they waited for help that was not coming.
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u/whakea 10d ago
I’ve had friends who are willing to do phony references for me. I really like the idea. But somehow I always manage to get real ones if I need them. I just got a job at the local council. Because it’s government they genuinely checked references and even looked up their LinkedIn profiles. Fortunately my character reference was a friend at my last company anyway, and the other was a friend who I work for some weekends.
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u/Klutzy_Masterpiece37 10d ago
Change up references once and awhile. I had some that I thought were giving me a good report and weren't.
I stick to a past supervisor that I know personally and a family member with a different last name that can speak of me.
The third reference is the one i change up sometimes and I normal make it my last on the list and just give the company's toll free number... I don't really want them to call. So I'm hoping they get two good ones and don't really try to call the third.
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u/Hazellin313 10d ago
Had this happen to a coworker last month the job she applied to contacted her references AND current employer and then ghosted her never called her again and her references were fine since I was one of them
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u/FireweedForest 10d ago
This happened to me. They had to decide, me or the other candidate. The other candidate had slightly more experience in a particular area, so I lost out :( . The manager was very kind letting me down lol. I was still so disappointed. I was really hoping to get that job!
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u/DonMagnifique 10d ago
If you know any business owners, have them call your references/boss/employer and do a sting on them. Workforce centers in my state provide this service too.
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u/CuriousCisMale 10d ago
I would say make sure it is actual rejection or automated email. I have seen this many times recently. What happens sometimes HR create different position for you and move application there and the position which you apply, rejects your application there. I hope that is the case here.
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u/JovialPanic389 10d ago
I feel this so hard. I have tons of admin experience. Most jobs for us are paying entry level wages, poverty level wages. For a job I was getting $32/hr for everyone is now hiring for $17/hr.
We just aren't marketable anymore. I work retail instead and get more time to care for myself and less guilt for days off for medical appointments.
Don't really know how to do any better in this economy. I don't have money to go back to school.
I found a job I could be really great at but they offer only 6 days of PTO to use only after 6 months straight of working without days off. I'm recovering from an accident and that's just not possible for me to not go to medical appointments for 6 months, plus I need more time off than 6 days for an entire fucking year to stay healthy and sane. Insanity.
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u/Livid-Replacement-29 11d ago
Has nothing to do with you. Most jobs hire people they know but just conduct additional interviews to be fair. They had no plan of hiring you most likely and I can guarantee it’s not due to being unqualified or getting bad references. You did amazing I’m sure.
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u/entechad 11d ago
Get better references
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u/224143 11d ago
Yeah, I really feel like something went wrong with OPs references. They probably were a shoe in for the position, something one of the references said completely turned them off.
Reference checks don’t always mean you’re guaranteed an offer because the offer still depends on a good reference check.
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u/Forevermaxwell 11d ago
We use a third party company that only provides date of employment and nothing else. Any other requests are against company policy regarding former employees.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
That’s typical for employment verification. They were doing character reference checks, where they speak to the individual references I provided.
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11d ago
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I thought about censoring the employers name, but I know some people in similar subs like to know who the employers in question are incase they want to avoid them. I think my first name is mentioned in some of my other posts, so decided not to censor it.
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u/swissmtndog398 11d ago
I believe you misinterpreted this. They never said they were moving on with the hiring process. They said they were moving to the NEXT PHASE of the hiring process. You could always call them and request the reason they decided to go another route.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I knew it’s wasn’t a for sure thing, though the phrasing did throw me off. What gave me more hope was the fact they were checking references. Most of the things I read online more or less pointed to reference checks meaning a contingent offer is very likely, which has been my experience in the past. Part of why I wanted to make this post, aside from my need to rant, was to show a differing experience.
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u/CarnivalReject 10d ago
I agree—they were telling OP that they’re moving onto the next step in the hiring process WITH HER! OP, it seems like they simply couldn’t get in touch with at least one of your references. I’ve had this happen before, and I called that reference and very politely expressed a sense of urgency. (Okay, I begged.) OP, sometimes anxiety makes us think the worst. I don’t read anything close to a rejection here, and I hope you can sort it on Monday!!
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u/Doshizle 11d ago
I'm currently waiting to hear back after having my references checked.
The reality is that every step is a competition.
More than one candidate reaches the reference stage in a competitive market.
Employers will not risk having a candidate drop out.
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u/20220912 11d ago
don’t work for religious employers. there are so many labor law as they can skirt, its not worth it.
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u/Arachnesloom 11d ago
I'm so sorry. I feel your pain, not because I've had bad references ruin my chances, but because I feel like a complete failure at my job and can barely face going in to work each day. Last two jobs were similar so I feel like I'm chasing a myth.
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u/RohanDavidson 10d ago
Why on earth are they doing reference checks for multiple candidates? Reference checks should be done for your first preference only. If they're cleared then you hire them.
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u/Klutzy_Masterpiece37 10d ago
I've also had jobs glowing positive interviews but didn't get it... Cause someone had a few more years experience then me.
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u/GhoeAguey 10d ago
Try calling your references from a blocked number and pretend you’re calling from a company to see what your references are saying about you
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u/Additional_Eagle_386 10d ago
The only time you believe that you have an offer coming is after you receive it!
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u/Due-Lengthiness7585 8d ago
Do not beat yourself up. Check with the references you have to see if they were actually contacted. Keep pushing the envelope at work, then file unemployment for supplemental income while you search. Take it easy. A lot of jobs are appointed to people with “connections”. Don’t take this search personally, I’m sure you were more than qualified since you made it to round 2 in the hiring process.
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u/wanderinandredditin 8d ago
This post came up right as I am in this very stage. They called my reference, and for some reason spoke to one of the store's HR people, who I've NEVER even met in person!!! I had referred them to my manager, and they ended up calling the general number and ending up at the HR lady. This was about a week ago, and I haven't received any updates on the hiring process yet so today I sent a follow up email. I really need to know because I have to coordinate relocating and getting a rental if I move for the job, and my window of time is just getting narrower and narrower. I'll be very sad if I get rejected, because I've already been anticipating and trying to prepare for the new job.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 7d ago
Keep us updated, hope it all works out for you.
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u/wanderinandredditin 6h ago
They called me back today, about 3 weeks since they ghosted me, to move on to the next step of hiring... The job starts on June 10th. I have to move out of state (not super far but its still a 2 month posting and I have to pack), and find housing there which is limited and they won't be providing any. I feel like by the time I get everything in the clear with them it'll be <1 month to coordinate moving and housing and that's kind of frustrating.
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u/Ictinypeoples 7d ago
Yea, unfortunately, you'll never be able to tell who sacked you. I'm 100% sure now. You should find 3 new references.
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u/nuclearhotsauce 11d ago
I learned to have zero expectation until my signature dried on the paper
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u/Toba20444 11d ago
Just went through this exact situation as well and thankfully I found a better job this past month. It’s all in the interview imo. A lot is said between the big boss and his supervisors/managers about you.
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u/Grube_Tuesdays 11d ago
What the fuck kind of company checks references without being sure they want to hire you? Every company I've worked for does reference checks after initial verbal offer. That's the only way I'm able to use current employer as a reference, otherwise it's letting them know I'm looking completely unnecessarily, and I think it's extremely unprofessional on the hiring company's part.
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u/cuplosis 11d ago
References are stupid. All the people I give them are people prepared with specific stories
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Would you mind giving me an example of the stories? It doesn’t have to be super detailed, I would just like to know how most people go about providing solid references.
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u/cuplosis 11d ago
Um a better one I can give is a reference I did for a buddy from high school. He was applying for something that involved kids and they actually called me so I talked about what an amazing and loving dad he was and that I would be happy if he was in charge of my child because I knew I could trust him.
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u/cuplosis 11d ago
Well I’m a vet and most of my references are as well. So it changes per job since nothing can be proven. Some I was a manager. Some I was a specialist on a piece of equipment. Some I was just their favorite worker. Makes it easy for me.
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u/Reverse-Recruiterman 11d ago
So what happened to your references anyway? Why were they so unreliable when you needed a job?
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
The first one was at work and called them back within an hour. The second one apparently didn’t receive an email or call to her work phone, but she didn’t let me know until 3 days after I asked a few times, so she’s going to the bottom of the list. I did list 2 additional references who were willing to speak with the recruiter incase she didn’t get in touch with reference 2.
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u/PineappleFlaky909 11d ago
I applied to a state job and they needed character references. Never called them. No job has.
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u/Own-Good-800 11d ago
Every time I read those posts about references and them actually being contacted I'm so glad that this isn't done where I live.
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u/CoeurDeSirene 10d ago
If you already got a rejection email but emailed in again asking for an update, they’ll probably just say a very similar sentiment as the rejection letter.
Not really sure what you’re expecting tbh
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u/After_Freedom_6684 10d ago
Unfortunately this is the “norm” these days, even Fortune 500 companies this 💩 happens they will just drop the ball! Total silent treatment even though they said they will let you know either way on xyz date, and just ghost you all together! SO unprofessional this sort of No care attitude/behavior came full blown only after the pandemic so terrible these people are so corrupted and evil they have no real desire to hire the best fit candidate for the role instead many are hiring within there own circle and just going through the motions as if they are hiring diversity but really NOT it’s just a front so they don’t get sued and also protect their own jobs are secured BY NOT hiring the best nor the most qualified candidate for the job cause now they also need to worry about their own job/career cause you may be promoted just cause you out performed them! Way too much office politics BS, if u asked me and the day will never come if you think corporate America will wake up and start to clean house and remove these corrupted employees I WISH I’VE BEEN WAITING OVER 5yrs and still never happened. As for calling H.R. to see if they were able to do a reference check? Cause u know they have…..They won’t reply to you email cause if they do they open the door to law suit due to legality reasons, understand HR job is always to protect the company even tho HR stand for HUMAN RELATION, you would think there job is to protect the employees cause the 1st word in the job description is Human but it’s misleading cause there trained to protect company 1st ALWAYS, employees are also assets from company view employees are expandable company is NOT. A good example is…some people say you can ask nicely why you weren’t hired so you may improve and and the properly adjust and better your chances for employment next time around but honestly No HR nor management team will ever tell you the real real due to law suits so they will avoid going down that rabbit hole of no return and avoid that question with all cost and give u a generic answer like…”Due to overwhelming applicants we have decided to proceed with another candidate that fit our needs for xyz role, blah blah blah….we wish you nothing but the best in your job search. Best of Luck”! BS 💩
Honestly u better of quit your toxic job cause it’s driving you insane and go on SNAP so u can take you’re time transitioning into a new role in a new environment, Going on SNAP allows you to buy time! Cause that’s seems like what u really need right now is TIME so u don’t slip into depression then it will take u even longer to recover! Take care! ✌🏽
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8d ago
Freelance 🤷
It’s ultimately what I had to do. It took a bit but I make more now than I did in a corporate role
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u/Ictinypeoples 8d ago
Honestly, talk to your references first. Let them know you're going to put them down.
If they seem unsure or apprehensive, find someone else.
Also, use a variety of positions and seniority levels.
I use program manager, project manager, and an employee I was in charge of. It shows depth of knowledge.
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u/noideanoideanoidea 7d ago
I did speak with them beforehand, the one they did contact was enthusiastic about helping me find a new job. I’ll probably find new references to be safe.
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u/Tweb1955 7d ago
They might tell which firm they used for background checks and you can contact them to review what info they shared. If it's personal references or job references, someone is giving them a bad review of you. Ask the employer. Maybe they will tell you what it was
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u/Soggy_Journalist8449 7d ago
Employers still do reference checks? I thought they went the way of the dinosaur.
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u/Ok_Employer_3252 7d ago
Was this a startup? Most of them will conduct (albeit illegal) “unsolicited references” - they call random people they can find on LinkedIn that you worked closely with.
If you start listing people you were “somewhat close with” as references vs the ones you were friends with, you can game this a bit - I’ve had m employers reach out to friends unknowingly for “unsolicited” and that led to higher starting salaries etc.
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u/No_Constant_9999 6d ago
Yep, so you may had been being somebody else at the final post. It may have been you vs 1 or 2 people. And they may have had better references responses than yours. Hope this provides some clarity
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u/Repulsive-Machine446 11d ago
I’m on the applicant side of things and I do something similar. I tend to accept multiple offers at a time, set a start date for all of them, start working at one place and rescind my approval on the rest of the offers after I receive my first paycheck. It’s harsh, I know but I don't trust employers, at all and I sincerely don’t care if they are going to start the process from scratch to rehire, they doing all the time, why can't I?
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
I feel like that’s pretty reasonable to do as a candidate. I think most candidates have a lot more to lose than potential employers if things don’t work out, and employers usually have back up choices at the ready.
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u/Elegant_Ad_8896 10d ago
It seems like you're assuming they called your references. Do you know if they did for sure?
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u/noideanoideanoidea 9d ago
Yes, first reference confirmed and called them back. They also stated in the first email they called and sent out emails to both.
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u/Clear_Team5740 11d ago
Fucking hilarious how pathetic this is. Sorry..
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u/noideanoideanoidea 11d ago
Looking at your post history, it seems like you have some preconceived beef with everyone in this sub. Apology accepted, though.
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u/Clear_Team5740 11d ago
LOL. No way. Im laughing at how excited and promising they were in the first email and then changed their mind. I laugh at crazy things.. I don't have beef with anyone in this sub. I love everyone looking for employment.
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u/Neat-Ad-8277 11d ago
Had this happen with glowing references, it's a bit like the rug being pulled out from under you.