How long should a reference take to respond? (2023)

How long should I wait for a reference to respond?

How Long Should a Reference Take to Respond? In general, a reference should respond in less than three business days. If it has taken more than three business days, the hiring company or you would be safe to follow up and check in on their status.

The reference check process for each individual takes on average three to 10 business days. If you're the top choice you'll typically hear from the employer within three to 10 days. If you're a second or third choice for the position it will take longer to hear back from the employer.

Find new references

If the initial reference has yet to respond to your requests, then consider selecting another to speak on your behalf. The hiring employer may have a deadline to submit your reference's contact information so finding a new one can help you be more productive with your time.

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I've worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “not more than five to seven years.”

I would recommend following up four business days after confirming with all of your references that they have completed their reference checks. The reasons for that timeline is that I've found that it generally takes one – three business days to receive a job offer after reference check completion.

One reason reference checks often take so long is that employers fail to utilize a standardized system. Having a consistent format for your reference interviews will save you time and make it easier to compare different candidates when making your hiring decision.

Yes, you can get rejected after a reference check. In fact, some sources say that candidates get rejected about 10 – 20% of the time after a reference check.

The purpose of calling references is to obtain more information about the applicant and help make a final decision about whether to offer the job. If the employer is calling your references, it likely means that you're one of the final candidates.

To follow up, send a polite email asking about the status of the letter. You may also politely remind the writer about the upcoming due date. If you don't hear back from the writer within two or three days, call or visit him or her personally.

You shouldn't discuss personal details about an employee, which can include references to her race, religion, age or disability status. Also, you should never discuss ethnic origin, marital status, parenting responsibilities or sexual orientation during a reference request.

Can you not get a job because of a bad reference?

As long as it's fair and accurate, a reference can show that you're not suitable for a job.

Employers typically contact references toward the end of the hiring process. They narrow down their candidate pool to just a few choices, giving them time to contact each reference. They use these references to help them decide between the last few candidates and ensure they hire the right person for the job.

The reference check is not just a way of screening candidates out, it's a way to qualify them for the role and most importantly, gain an understanding of how to manage and work with them.

References are not something to be scared of, they are an invaluable tool for you to embrace and utilise in securing your next role!

Remember this: When a hiring company makes a call to your references, it's almost always a good sign—so you can breathe easy. A reference check typically means a hiring manager is near-ready to extend an offer to a candidate, and they want one final confirmation that you are the right fit for their team, Foss says.

Being prepared is one of the best ways to make the referencing process quicker. To begin with, you will most likely be sent an online form to complete. Do this as quickly as possible to show that you are prompt and keen to move into the property. Also, try to gather your documents in advance where possible.

Yes, an employer can refuse to give you a reference. Employers are not obliged to give their current and former employees. The two very rare exceptions to that rule: Jobs in highly regulated sectors, such as financial services.

You Have the Right to Decline a Reference Request

There is never an obligation to give someone a reference. You can politely and diplomatically decline the request without offending the person who asked you. The trick is to do so without making your refusal sound like a personal criticism or a professional rejection.

What if your reference no longer works at the company?

If references associated with your previous roles have dried up, or the company no longer exists, then consider people outside of work that may be able to speak to potential employers instead. Perhaps you've volunteered before – in which case, this could be your volunteer coordinator or even another volunteer.