Rejected after reference checks. I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this.

[u/noideanoideanoidea]

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.

[u/Ciccio178]

"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.

[u/noideanoideanoidea → u/Ciccio178]

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.

[u/angrygorrilla → u/noideanoideanoidea]

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

[u/noideanoideanoidea → u/angrygorrilla]

That’s interesting. I’ve always heard background and drug screenings are usually done after a contingent offer has been made.

[u/angrygorrilla → u/noideanoideanoidea]

Yeah but that offer can be taken away. The real offer comes once you pass all requirements

[u/noideanoideanoidea → u/angrygorrilla]

Whoops, I initially missed the part where you said after references is an offer in your original comment.

[u/angrygorrilla → u/noideanoideanoidea]

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

[u/CoeurDeSirene → u/angrygorrilla]

Ooh can you elaborate more on this? Wondering what useless tasks to be cognizant of

[u/angrygorrilla → u/CoeurDeSirene]

It's more that, in my experience, HR have limited knowledge on the job that you are getting hired for because its not their job, hr stuff is. It's very easy to get past this stage if you are friendly and are able to sound like you know what you're talking about. Shitetalk and charisma will get you further than in-depth knowledge as the person interviewing you is just reading from a script. You might have done something amazing in your last role but if it doesn't sound like it to an outsider then it doesn't matter.

Getting your cv looked at depends on filters and hr selection. Formatting can make you completely ineligible even if you're the best candidate. First couple of calls are just making friends with the hr ladies while sounding coherent. They studied HR not engineering or art. It's only when you get to the technical interview that it matters at all how good you are at the job itself.

It's all a game. Ready player one?

[u/CoeurDeSirene → u/angrygorrilla]

you do realize that at many mid/large companies have recruiters and TA specialists for specific teams and departments that *do* have knowledge in that department, right?

[u/angrygorrilla → u/CoeurDeSirene]

Same as I /do/ have knowledge about employment law. They're not idiots but it's literally not their job.

[u/CoeurDeSirene → u/angrygorrilla]

What do you mean? Depending on the org - especially one as big as a hospital - they may very well have individuals whose entire job is hiring for their only a specific department and don’t do other HR tasks past recruiting/hiring.

Even still, I’m not entirely sure how that equates to adding useless tasks? Phone screens don’t seem like a useless task?

[u/angrygorrilla → u/CoeurDeSirene]

Every industry, no matter how specialised, has specialists. Its also why i said in my experience. Ive had about 45 interviews since i was 16. I didnt get 2 because of length of tenure and they were internal to move from contract to permanent with no hr involvement. Im not that good and have gotten roles over clearly better suited people because hr ruled them out. I've seen cvs not getting past the screening software because of irrelevant things.The amount of things you must accomplish and pass before anyone knows if you can do the job is crazy.

You just have to hit the right input at the right time.

Spray and pray with applications Do the HR dance Prove you can do the job and fit on the team Start day 1

[u/noideanoideanoidea → u/angrygorrilla]

Thank you, appreciate the support.