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Khushboo · 8 Aug 2025
Operations & Customer Service Manager
Lately, some recruiters are requesting references before the final interview. As candidates, it takes effort to reach out to referees, and it creates false hope if the application is later rejected. This has happened a few times recently, especially with newer recruiters. References should only be checked when you're a final contender. Has anyone else experienced this?
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Leila · 11 Aug 2025
Practice Manager/Project Coordinator
Tell anyone asking for references that they will be provided once you have been offered a role subject to reference checks being done. It's slightly different if you're going through some recruitment companies as they may check references before placing you, but it's not usual to ask for references before knowing that you're going to make an offer.
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Sienna · 9 Aug 2025
I think you raise a good point. I had a situation a while ago now, where although my reference loved my work, she asked me if I expected to be applying for a lot of roles, because the last person who left the workplace had quite a lot of potential employers ringing up. I think this is why some places have a no ref policy, because on big teams, or big turnovers, its very time consuming. Employers would be doing each other a favour if they could be sensible about it. ☺️
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Dianne · 17d ago
Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper
Yes I have been experiencing this
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