Should I follow up with my reference?
According to Laitin, “Whether the position was offered or not, the candidate should follow up to alert the reference. It's also an opportunity for the person providing the reference to offer his or her assistance again in the future.
It usually takes 2-3 days once the reference check is finished. Providing your experience is positive and you are identified as a prospective candidate for the position, the next step is to extend an offer of employment to you.
If the recruiter asks for your references after your last interview, this is a good sign you are getting a job offer. Checking references is usually one of the last steps in the hiring process. When asked for them, always send them in a timely fashion. Candidates should never be the reason an offer is delayed.
What Step Is A Reference Check In The Application Process? Conducting a reference check is often the final step a hiring manager or recruiter takes before presenting a job offer to a candidate. They may also conduct a background check and an employment history check, which we'll cover later on.
Yes there are chances where one could get rejected if one of the references you've given doesn't give a positive review.
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.
Generally, a reference check is conducted towards the end of the interview process. If a job applicant has had an interview but hasn't been offered a post, an employer may ask to conduct a reference check to make a decision between top candidates.
If the person doesn't respond to you, strike that person off your list of references. Either way, give the employer another reference.
- You Received a Bad Reference. ...
- The Company is Conducting a Reference Check for Multiple Candidates. ...
- There Are Internal Delays With the Job Offer Process. ...
- There Are Internal Changes Impacting the Job Offer Process.
Before assuming you've had no news after a reference check give the process 10 business days (approximately 2 weeks after reference check). If you have not heard from the hiring manager after 10 business days, call the hiring manager to politely follow up.
Why is my reference check taking so long?
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.
- A Criminal History Is Revealed. ...
- Education, Employment And/Or Reference Discrepancies. ...
- Poor Driving History. ...
- Incomplete References. ...
- A Poor Credit History. ...
- The Documents Provided Are Fraudulent. ...
- Failed Medical Or Drug Test.

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.
Reference checks shouldn't be just a formality. Done correctly, they offer hirers an opportunity to critically evaluate the skills, experience and characteristics of a potential employee. Once you know how to approach reference checks and the right questions to ask, you'll be able to get the most out of the process.
However, most employers take about three business days after checking their last reference to extend an offer to a candidate. You may take longer depending on your thoroughness and requirements.
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.
Make sure that the reference check is completed by your prospective employer by checking with the contacts you have given. Usually it takes 2–3 days once the reference check is completed, if the recruiter is busy with other immediate hiring it may take a bit longer.
Send a polite email or call them on the phone, offering a few details about the request including timelines. After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details about the position. Follow up in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.
Follow up with an email to find out how the reference check went and thank them for providing the reference. It is advisable to follow up with a call or email after a couple of days. If you have been given a specific time frame work within that. Do not wait for the company to contact you.
A lack of proof of address can result in a failed reference check, but there are legitimate reasons why a tenant might struggle to provide these. For instance, if they are moving to the UK from abroad or if they have been living with a partner but have not been added to the utility or council tax bills.