When Job References Matter (and When They Don’t)

Do job references really matter? Sometimes more than you know. And sometimes less. If that sounds confusing, it kind of is confusing since you can’t be sure of your potential employer’s policies. Or lack of policies.

Over the years, I’ve seen a large variation in how seriously references are treated. But if you want to err on the side of caution, by all means pay attention to how you treat your reference list and the people on it. (More on that below.)

Times when job references don’t matter

Despite all the advice for hiring they can find online, there are employers who don’t even ask for references. Or ask for them but don’t bother calling. Or try, but if they don’t get an answer or can’t get much information out of the reference they just hire anyway based on their gut.

Don’t count on this, but it does happen. Mostly in smaller less formal companies. Or when employers have jobs that are hard to fill. Or jobs that are paying under the table. Still even larger companies that seem more professional may be pretty sloppy about references if they like you.

But again, don’t assume you can get by without even one decent reference. And come prepared with your best shot at glowing feedback from people who can personally vouch for your work skills, attitude, and trustworthiness.

Still reference-checking laziness on the employer’s part does happen. And you may eventually find out that none of your references were actually called, even if you had a fantastic list of folks ready to be contacted.

When job references actually matter

Having given you the reasons you can get away without references, for the vast majority of jobs references matter. And many companies have careful reference checkers on staff. (I did that as part of my many hiring duties.) Or hire firms to check references as well as work history, criminal background, etc.

Why former employers might hold back

Even though job references matter and former employers don’t necessarily want to dump a bad employee on another company, there are reasons why not everything gets told. Mostly legal reasons. Companies don’t want to be sued for telling stories about the former employee that cost them the new job. Even though there may be stories to tell.

And they can rationalize this by telling themselves the employee may do better in a different environment. But mostly it’s self protection. So a reference checker has to be clever about how to ask the questions and just how much to push. Many times the checkers don’t go that far.

Reference checkers who go the extra mile

That was me. And I listened for tone as well as words when the former employer answered my questions. And I did push … gently. You can learn a lot between the lines if you pay attention. And you can ask things in a way that the reference feels safe answering truthfully, even if in a limited way.

Always assume you’ll get checked in this way and come prepared with current, willing, and supportive references. While a so-so reference may not cost you the job, glowing references can put you ahead of someone they’re also considering.

Reference tips that do matter!

Job References:  Sample Reference Page (with Notes)

What Does It Mean If a Job Is Checking Your References?

Job References: What If Former Bosses Don’t Work There Any More

 

They Want Supervisor References. Are These OK?

What Types of Questions Do Reference Checkers Ask?

Why You Should CALL Your References