Does it mean you got the job? Not necessarily.
Does it mean you are the only one they are considering? No. Although you might be.
Does it mean they are close to making an offer? Maybe.
So what exactly does it mean?
First let me explain where I got the idea for this post. I was checking my stats (don’t we all) and saw that someone got to my blog using a search engine and the words “What does it mean if a job is checking your references”. Basically, all you can know for sure is that it means they are interested in you.
Usually, when a company starts checking your references, if the references are good, you will get an offer. But there are times when they have more than one candidate and are using the references to decide…and you might not be their final choice. Or they may not like what they hear from the references. Or they may not get enough information to resolve any doubts they have and decide to continue advertising and/or interviewing without turning you down yet. Or they may even get glowing reviews and still wind up going with someone else for any of countless reasons.
But in general…if they are checking your references and your references are good, it probably means you will be getting an offer soon.
If you are in this situation whoever you are out there my fine Googler friend, I hope this answers your question. And I hope you get the job.
Good luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
I been in this interview process for almost a month now. I am not too sure if I come close to being “the one” for the job. A recruiter contacted me about a month ago that they are assisting a company with hiring. I love the company and said yes that I am interested. So I did a basic phone interview with the recruiter and she said she will contact that company’s manager to conduct a phone interview. So a week later, I was able to do a phone interview with the manager. I asked him if he would like me to send my reference to the recruiter, he said yes. I did and I didn’t hear anything from them for almost a week and a half. I decided to email the recruiter for a follow up, she said that she will talk to the manager and see where they are at. Then I got a reply from the recruiter saying that company’s HR will be in contact with me some point this week. I waited and the week passed by with no call. The early of the week after the recruiter called and said the manager will be in town and would like to see me. So we met up today. Two days ago they called my references. The recruited asked me a few more info on my references that I provided and commented my references were very good, but did not asked for more references from me. Today my met with the manager was great, but very confusing. He was like who do you want to work in your store, your vac to Asia should be alright, we didn’t have much other candidates that is interviewing for this position and you fit our requirements, etc. He said I need to do an interview with their HR director. So what is my chances? What should I do? How long will this continue?
Hi Ac,
This sounds very promising. They’ve called your references and were satisfied with the results. It sounds like they may be already treating you like you have the job – “who do you want to work in your store,” etc.
So, I recommend being patient with them, and staying in touch with the recruiter. The recruiter should know what is going on or should be able to find out for you.
Good luck!
Susan
I had attended an interview with NSW Health 2 weeks ago. The convenor contacted one of my referee couple of hours after the interview for reference check. So, I was really excited. But after 10 days of interview, I didn’t hear from HR. So, I sent an email to HR Manager asking about update on my application. She said I am short-listed for the position and they are finalising the paperwork. She also said all short-listed candidates will be notified the outcome after paperwork is completed. Now I’m bit worried about my chance. Shall I be still hopeful about getting this job?
Hi Pra,
If you are short-listed for the job, that’s a good sign. It’s out of your control. Nothing you can do but wait until you hear back and keep applying for jobs in the interim — you want to make sure you have as many options as possible, don’t you?
Good luck,
Chandlee
Chandlee, Thanks for suggestion. Just wondering generally how many people are short-listed after interview for one position.
Usually the number of people short-listed is less than five. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Really love this blog and it has totally kept me sane over the last month.
I am currently interviewing for a “dream job” at a large media company. They called yesterday to tell me that they were down to the final two candidates, I am one of them, and now they are checking references.
I know that they spoke to two of my references yesterday and one of the calls was half hour – not sure if that is a good sign though as concerned maybe they were digging in on things they might not like? One of my friend that does reference checks says that it might be that they didn’t get the answers they wanted which made the call much longer. She thinks this is probably a bad thing it lasted so long. It’s also tough as I don’t job jump much and can’t give them my current supervisor for my current job (she’s still here) and they did have some concerns that my references were all from my last job which was 5 years ago.
But nothing today and I guess I’m wondering if the likelihood is that they are going with the other candidate and advanced with them today on the next steps (i.e. background check, offer) but are keeping me on the side in case something falls through with that person. Is that typical that they would do that? This whole process is the worst because you really have no idea what anyone is thinking and while I am proud of myself, I also really want more than that but also don’t want to end up feeling truly disappointed if this doesn’t come through.
It is good to come here and know there are some many of us that are stressed out over this and in the same gloomy boat.
I was interviewed for a job on thursday last week. Today, monday, I received a call from one of my referees telling me that he has been contacted by my prospective employers. I told him to tell them what he knows about me and I will be fine.
However, I had three referees, it appears the others have not been contacted despite one of them being the first on my list. The one contacted works for the same company but at a different branch. What’s the meaning of this? Does it mean they trust their fellow employee more hence his episode will be trusted more.
I am dying for the job
Jarrison,
Almost always a good sign if your references are contacted. Employers have their own approach on how many references to contact and typically work to contact references in the midst of all their references. So I have no way of knowing their strategy or how they use references in the process — but I can tell you it’s a good thing.
I don’t recommend “dying” for any job — just like dating, until there’s a committed relationship — it can be nice to have a couple of options so you don’t have your heart broken!
Good luck,
Chandlee
I am so glad I found this blog- I did a phone interview.. and they have checked my references and I’m waiting. Everything went by fast- Monday: phone interview, Tuesday: called my references.. and now its Thursday and have not heard anything. When is it too early to reach out for an update? Just really excited!
Hi Jessica,
I recommend you follow up on Monday to see if they need any additional information.
Good luck to you!
Best,
Chandlee
Update… after 1.5 weeks.. did not hear anything so I emailed and phone everyone I could that I had contact with there and finally someone called to set up another interview. While waiting to set up the second interview… didn’t hear anything for about another 1.5 weeks…. so I continued with following up relentlessly. FINALLY, received a call back and was told that both of the recruiters that was working with me are no longer with the company…. explains weeks of no response. Now I have an interview again this week. This is no doubt one of the most frustrating things I have ever been through! I don’t know what to think of it anymore?
Also had a different interview with another company… its been 1 week now and haven’t heard anything and she never requested references… should I attribute that to them not being interested? Or should I continue to follow up? Thank you to this blog for keeping me somewhat sane during this process! For a moment- really felt like I was the only going through this and just wanted to give up!
Hi Jessica,
Good luck with the interview at company #1. Remember that interviewing is always a mutually selective process so you may want to ask about length of tenure of other people who worked there in the past! But be gentle about it/
As for company #2, suggest you follow-up and let them know you can provide references should they have need of them — and let them know of your continued interest in the process.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thanks for the advice! I was scheduled for a phone interview today… and they never called. We have been going back and forth for about 3-4 weeks and it keeps getting rescheduled or I never hear from them. It’s a big corporation and I would love to get the position- but this process is really turning me off. Do I just give up? I do not know how much longer I can stand this :/
Hi Jessica,
I recommend you contact them today — let them know you did not receive a call yesterday as pre-arranged and ask if they are still interested and would like to reschedule.
If you are only working with HR, the HR process may be entirely different from the team you would be working with — so hang in there!
All the Best,
Chandlee
I got an offer from company #1.. contingent on checks… so now I’m still waiting as I’ve heard many horror stories of offers being retracted for various reasons. Is this common? I thought I would be excited and celebrating, but I’m still anxious as ever. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!
Reason for being anxious is that I disclosed a minor conviction after the offer that occurred 8 years ago.. and their checks only go back 7 years. I misread their application and wanted to be honest now. Ahhhhh
Jessica,
That may be a challenge for you, but you were honest — and honesty is good. If it is a minor conviction it may not matter — and many background checks go beyond 7 years. Keep us posted on what happens. If you don’t get this job, you can always look for others – and there are many career resources available to others who have the same challenges.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee,
I’ve been with Company #1 for 2 weeks now! Like you said, HR is entirely different from the team I’m working with- everyone has been amazing, supportive and friendly (compared to my previous job). I have loved every single minute of it so far!
Just wanted to let everyone out there who might see this during a stressful interview process that everything does happen for a reason! For this job, I had to relocate from east to west coast and it was a great decision for me. I think to myself.. where would I be if I had gotten offers from those previous interviews (now I am SO HAPPY I did not get offers from previous interviews)? I have to be honest that those past 2 months of interviewing and waiting was the hardest ever but if you can help yourself, definitely just trust in the universe that things will fall into place and all you need to do is give it time!
Thanks Chandlee- you have definitely made this process easier (and I hope to provide others the same support)!
Thanks Jessica! I am so happy that you’ve landed and that the job is feeling good. Please keep us posted and let us know how we can be of help to you. Best, Chandlee
I interviewed for my dream job 2 months ago. I heard nothing from the potential employer until last week when they called me to ask if I was still available and interested in the position. They then asked for my references contact information which was checked the next day. All 3 of my references called me to let me know they had been contacted and they had said wonderful things about me.
I assumed they were ready to hire and thought I would have heard from them within the week. A week after being contacted again, I sent a follow up email to inquire about the status of my application. The response I got was that they had been in touch with all my references and were still reviewing, they would be in touch when a decision was made.
At first I was excited because I thought that if they called me back 2 months later and checked my references so quickly, they were going to offer me the position, but now I’m not so sure.
Honey E.,
The interviewing process is un-fun for job seekers, and can also be frustrating inside companies — especially in the summer when so many people take vacations. Often, there are multiple decision makers who need to be consulted before a final approval gets made — and it’s hard to get everyone to the table for a meeting. This is likely what’s going on. (I once got a job offer three weeks after they had expected to have a decision made.)
Hang in there, and good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
This is literally exactly what happened to me! It almost sounds like the same company that I’m waiting to hear back from. I hope we hear good news soon! Good luck!
-Marissa
Are you in NYC? Maybe it is the same company. Good luck to you as well.
Wow! I am in NYC. Is the company in the entertainment industry?
It is… Wow! Do you mind me asking what position you applied for?
What are the odds! It was as an assistant. I feel like we have soo much to talk about!
What a coincidence!
I had a interview for my dream job at Froedtert Medical Hopsital on Wednesday,the interview went great. I ended up getting a second interview right away by the unit manager who would be over me.At the end of the interview the unit manager commented that she would love to hire me but that it’s not her decision, it’s HR decision. The next day I got a follow-up email regarding a survey for my references. I was responsible for sending out the emails to my references and the HR recuriter would get the feedback once they respond. After that I received another call from one of my references stating that they had called, and about an hour or two later I got a call from the same person who had contacted my reference, and stated she does the background checks and she had a couple of more questions for me. It’s only been about a week but I’m dying to know if I’ve landed this job. Any help someone. Please!
Hi Lucy,
Recommend you follow up with HR, let them know you are still interested and ask if they need additional information from you.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I had a second and final interview on Tuesday afternoon with the Pres and VP of the Board at a small non profit and felt very confident about how it went. There were 3 candidates and we were all interviewed on Tues. On Thursday afternoon the HR Director emailed me and told me that she was going to check the references that I had listed on my application and wanted to make sure that they would be available.
It is now Friday afternoon and none of my references were contacted. Is this a good or bad sign? Am I overthinking this? Can I assume that I am the front runner?
Dave,
HR Directors typically have more on their desk for any given day than just reference checking. I don’t think it’s a bad sign. I wouldn’t assume that you are the front runner — you never know that until you get an offer — but I’d give it another week or so before you hit the “I am out of the race” button.
Especially since so many people are on vacation this time of year.
Best,
Chandlee
2 of my references were checked this afternoon and called me 15 minutes apart, the 3rd was never checked. Both said that things went really well, and the HR director all but told them that an offer was coming. I did not receive an offer today. Maybe tomorrow?
Dave,
Offers can take a while to come through — due to the approval process. I hope you will get the offer you wish to receive soon.
Best,
Chandlee
I had an interview last week and the interview was OK ,but at the end of the interview the interview panel members only asked about my salary expectations and the notice period for the starting the new job if I become successful.But they didn’t ask about the reference and what does it mean .I mean is it correct to think that they are not interested to recruit me .
Hi Jerin,
There is no standard list of questions asked at the end of the interview. These questions indicate to me — that they may remain very interested in your candidacy.
Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi, I went to an interview and health check, police check then they contacted my referee but my referee asked them to call back because he was busy at that time. I did not know what should I do next because they hadn’t called back to my referee. Should I send them an email to tell them calling back my referee for checking?
Thank you.
Hi Phillip,
You may want to follow-up and offer to provide them with additional information on references. Simply state what you understand that happened and provide them with contact information for that reference again — as well as contact information for another potential point of contact.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi! I had my 1st and 2nd interview today and i think it went well. I asked the interviewer if i’m hired already and he said they will check my references and send my application to the branch that i want to work with. What does it mean ? How long will it take? i don’t want to wait and just get frustrated and disappointed.
Thanks
Allan
Hi Allan,
The hiring process certainly takes longer than three hours. Be patient, the time between interviews and offers can vary depending on how the company works — and when they need new hires to start. In general, I don’t recommend asking “if you are hired already” but that you asked the question should not knock you out of contention.
As you wait to hear back, send a thank you note that states that you continue to be interested in the job — and keep up your job search as you wait for a final response. It’s always good to have as many opportunities as possible.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi! Thank you for the reply. Now i know what to do the next time i have an interview but i hope there will be no more next time lol
Hi,
I’ve had two interviews for a job I’m very interested in. The company called my current employer and verified employment, which alerted everyone that I am “looking.” Would they do that if they weren’t ready to make an offer? I haven’t heard anything and am getting a little worried. They haven’t contacted my references and I’m worried some past financial problems will show up on my credit report, even though the job has nothing to do with finances. But it seems they should check all that before exposing me to my current employer. What do you think?
Thanks,
Karen
Karen,
Unfortunately, there’s no telling what the process is for the prospective employer. I suggest you call them — ask where they are in the process, and if they have all the information they need from you. Let them know that you are aware that they have called your potential employer.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi
I applied a job within Local Council and had an interview. Two days after the interview they’ve contacted my referee to seek references.
As far as I am aware, council will only seek reference after interview if the candidate is successful at interview but then again how can they ask for the reference so quick when they had more candidates waiting to be interviewed?
I had a really good interview and up till now I was very confident that I’ve got this job but now I am confused.
Regards
AZ,
Hold tight. Usually when references are contacted it is a good sign — but there’s no telling how many people they have decided to check references on.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hi Everyone!
I’m in a similar situation to many of you waiting to hear the final decision. I’ve recently applied for a therapist position at a large hospital/ health care facility.
On Thursday I had a phone interview with the hiring manager
The following Monday, I had an in-person interview with the hiring manager. I was told that they should be making their decision by Friday the same week
The next day (Tuesday) HR contacted me to provide references – 4 contacts whom they could email questionnaires about my work habits. On Wednesday, 3 of my references completed the questionnaire. My 4th reference submitted hers on Thursday. I am pretty confident that my references would not have provided negative comments about me.
Friday: Anticipated decision day – I did not hear anything back
I realize that this is a very short time between submitting my references and expecting a decision to be made, however, the hiring manager had told me to expect a decision by Friday and invited me to contact her if I had any further questions or concerns. Seeing as how I haven’t heard anything regarding their decision, can I assume I did not get the position? Should I follow up and if so, how long should I wait before doing so? Also, should I contact the HR person or the hiring manager to follow up?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Hayley,
I’d give it three more business days before you follow-up. The hiring process often takes longer than we anticipate — especially in the summer! If you haven’t sent a thank you note to the hiring manager yet, you can do this. If you haven’t sent a note to contact the HR manager, you could follow up with them instead.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Thanks for the great advice Chandlee! You were spot on about HR being behind on their workload. I’m thankful to say I received the job offer today which I plan to happily accept!
Excellent! Congratulations, Hayley and good luck in your new job…
Hello everyone,
I am curious and would like to know what other people think about my situation.
I got a interview for a position which they originally did not proceed forward with my application which was three months ago. At the time I though odd but I figured maybe things didn’t work out and they were re-listing the position. When I got there they told me that the position I had applied for was filled internally but that was not the reason they wanted to talk with me. They admitted they found my resume and that application and they said they saw the most unique skill set that made me a promising candidate for a position they are reinventing. As they were talking to me about what they had in mind for that position I got all kinds of ideas and examples of the things I have done and I could see why they were interested in me. When I asked how soon I could hear from them about the position they told me two weeks.
that they were still interviewing and they would like to check my references and wanted me to provide those. I understand that they may want time to go over what we had talked about and see if I would be a good fit. I am curious about what my chances are of getting an offer but my real question is:
What does it mean to be interviewed for a position that doesn’t quite exist yet?
Hi All!
I had interviewed for a position 6 months ago. At the time, I had a full time position. I lost my job in January. I had proceeded to follow up with the Company. At that time, they had said they were still interested but, they were holding off on the position for the time being. They asked that I follow up with them in a month. Basically, my conversations with the Company had gone on for the next 2 months (March) where they had said to follow up, etc. I finally gave up. They contacted me in June to say the position had changed and they were still interested, etc. but, would like me to come on as a Temp for 3 mos. to see if it would work out. They had asked for a reference which I had given to them. I know they contacted my reference on the same day. That was one month ago. I’m still waiting to hear. Should I give up?
Hi Nina,
Contact them directly by phone and follow up. Do not leave a message, you need to speak to someone directly. They may say they’ve filled the position but at least you will know. No sense in having you sit around any longer and wait. Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
I interviewed with a company that I would LOVE to be apart of! I got a called last week Thursday that they were going to call my references, and would be sending me links to complete the criminal background check and a survey about my personality. I completed both the criminal background check (which I know would come back clear because I work with kids), and the survey on the same day, however as at today, they have not called my references.
The hiring manager said that she would make a decision this week and on the last visit, she said to me that she likes me a lot and that she hopes I like the company. Well, I am a little concerned that they have not called my references, I don’t know if they got the background check back as yet, but I went on the website and saw that the same position is posted again on the website. Needless to say I was upset. I know that she is hiring three people in the position that I applied for, she already offered one of the positions, and she is looking to have the other 2 people start within the next week or two.
Should I still be hopeful, or should I let it go and keep applying for other positions? It is a bad sign that they posted the position again?
Alyssa,
You should continue to apply for other jobs in the interim, but do not interpret these other indicators as a sure sign that you have been knocked out of contention. There are many reasons why the process can be delayed — and these can result in an extended process for hiring managers and HR processes as they consider candidates. This may very well have nothing to do with you — often the right hand knows not what the left hand is doing.
Good luck and all the very best,
Chandlee
Thank you for the reply. They actually called my boss today for a reference (even though I was told that they would not be calling my current boss). I asked my boss how it went and my boss said she spoke well of me. However, when the interviewer asked what my weaknesses were, my boss said she declined to answer! I was floored! I just had my performance review and she said she had nothing negative to say about me. I am the top in my department. Not sure how the interviewer would see her response. I think my boss declined because she was taught that you can not say anything negative about an employee to a reference, but her response does leave room for imagination.
Alyssa,
Take a deep breath. It all sounds positive. Good luck!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi,
I was interviewed for a position i really like, i did two interviews and one week later they checked my references, this was the recruitment consultant who indicated that he needed to do a report to the company board. The second interview was with the company and the consultant.
it has been 9 days since all my references responded. I would like to know what this means, is it possible that references can be checked for several candidates and a report done to the board for these candidates or does it mean it is only one person being forwarded to the board?
Hi James,
Companies hire in many different ways — and have multiple approaches. For your situation, I have no way to tell how they approach reference checking — and for how many candidates they check references.
Hang in there, and keep your search open in the interim. It’s always nice to have as many potential options as possible.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi All,
Personal experience, as I mentioned above was interviewed and references was checked also and no response. Normal delaying tactics, I chased it up and in the end i did not get the job.
So references after interview does not guarantee the Job.
Regards
AZ
AZ,
Sorry to hear you did not get this particular job but your willingness to follow up in general is a sign of what would make you attractive to an employer…
Keep up your search and let us know how we can help.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi there. Amazing this website. It helps me to get through this – as always tormenting – period.
I flew from Switzerland and was asked to fly over to the UK for an interview with a well known company. The job would be a huge step forward for me and I have had trouble sleeping ever since. I was asked to do an assessment at first. A numerical one and another one, like an IQ Test with shapes and stuff like that. The one with the shapes went ok but I did not manage to finnish. The numerical one went pear-shaped. I couldnt figure out here and there what they actually meant as it was displayed in a format I am not used to. I did not complete more than 60% and some of the answers are surely not correct.
However, I did not let that affect the rest of this interview (3.5 hours). I had a feedback session on two of the psychological online tests I did previously and that went well. Small interview with a HR Manager, good answers I believe and the personality profile is a match for this Management position.
Afterwards a panel interview with what I believe is the hiring Manager, the Managing director for UK and another HR Manager. I prepared well, invested almost 8 hours on researching the company, thinking of the best answers possible. I hope I blew them away but then again, some questions were not asked (some that I would have loved) but I think they figured quickly that I knew what I was talking about. Especially the hiring Manager seemed quite happy.
I did not feel too positive after the interview and I thought that I may have spent a lot of money (planes, hotel, food) for nothing. However, 2 days later a call, asking for 2 references. They were both contacted and asked questions for around 20-25 minutes. Both of them gave very good feedback (one of them I know gave outstanding feedback, the other one I think too).
Now I am waiting for them to contact me either tomorrow or on Tuesday. Not getting it would be a huge disappointment and I think even though I am looking for some positive feedback from you on this website, al I can do is sit and wait, just sit and wait…..but anyhow, I appreciate your work on this site, I’d appreciate an answer and no matter what, we always get up and keep going
Hi Andy,
Wow, that all sounds exhausting. Pat yourself on the back for fully investing your time — and putting all that you have in you towards preparing for the interview. That’s terrific.
Let us know the outcome, apply for other opportunities in the interim so you can have as many options as possible — and let us know how things turn out.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Hi Chandlee
How are you today? Thought I give you an update on my amazing race
Obviously, I did not sleep well (again) but I can live with that. I was hoping to get a call today. And I did. The number wasn’t the one from the HR Consultant so I was quite positive as normally the hiring Manager would call to make the offer. It was in the end the European HR Manager, lovely lady she is. She wondered what my current salary is and how much I would expect. Well, a bit surprised cause I indicated my current salary already when applying on their website online and I have once more communicated during the interview / assessment. She then asked how much I’d actually expect and I said the current level with a small increase would be just fine 
Of course, the current level is a bit more than I actually earn however, this is how I play the game and so far it worked out just fine (I am on USD 138k right now). I believed that for that job, quite a lot more in responsibility, such a salary would be more than ok, also looking at the Company and how much money they make. Not sure if I was wrong though.
She said they actually looked at around USD 85’000 plus USD 8’000 car allowance (well, I didnt drive a car in 14 years, I am a public transport person). She asked me how I feel about that. My answer said that all the feeling is kinda gone (just kidding) – I told her that this for me is a no go as I do have responsibilities as well (4 kids from my first marriage, the ex wife costs some money too) etc. She asked me then how far I would go (down). I answered and made a USD 10k decrease (which means that I am pretty much at the same level as now, tiny bit more). They offer me that, and we’re in. Seeing though that the gap is huge I wonder (and here I’d appreciate your feedback) if they are just messing around, trying to squeeze a bit or if there is no hope. She promised me to get back to me shortly and obviously that they will look at it.
It was not an offer as such and apparantely they are going through the candidates. Trust me, I am worth the money and I could give them 20 reasons why I’d be worth even double. Will they go for 2nd best (which is not me) who is willing to work for such a salary? Will they close the gap cause they feel I can make a significant contribution and difference? Is it just a game on their end to bring it down a nodge? You know, I am sure they had the information as mentioned before. Somehow feel very relaxed now cause if at the end I dont end up there because of a low salary, that is fine by me, better than losing out to another candidate
Same salary I’d be happy to go as I can see that this will further my career (living for the 2nd time abroad, international exposure and so on). I wonder though what this would mean to the relocation package – if they are really tight they may just expect me to hop on the next plane and sort the move out myself.
Sorry, I talk too much. Take care and hopefully talk soon.