Do employers have to give you time for you to contact your referees?
Posted by HeyImAfox@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 20 comments
I got an interview at a big heritage company (you can likely guess which) and they said that I'll need to upload two referees within 48 hours of that email or I won't get the interview.
It all feels a bit dodgy, but I hardly have the luxury of choice when it comes to employers.
Are they allowed to ask for referees without giving me the sufficient notice required to contact them and get their approval? Is it good etiquette to just tell my referees I've put them down, rather than waiting for a response to them? Or is there another route I should take?
To clarify one referee is academic, the other is a volunteer manager.
Spicymargx@reddit
They’re giving you 48 hours to upload the referees details. Not for your referees to complete their references. Just upload the details and message them tomorrow to let them know?
Psychological-Bag272@reddit
It is not dodgy. They obviously want to make sure you have a valid reference before spending more time interviewing you. They won't reach out to your referee unless you got the job, you can ask them specifically not do that. If you get an offer, you should have about a day to let your current employer know that they will be contacted. You can reach out to your academic referee now, though, to let them know in advance.
HeyImAfox@reddit (OP)
So, perhaps I'll add my academic reference. Email him and apologise for doing so without asking, and explain they only gave me the 48 hour notice. Then check to see if I can remove them if necessary (It's unlikely the referee will want me to, they'll probably give me my reference tbh). Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Thanks!
smallgreenpanda@reddit
If you send an email now it is likely they reply in a lot less than 48 hours.
Psychological-Bag272@reddit
Yes, do that! It will be fine, honestly. Good luck, and go smash that interview!
Ukuleleah@reddit
Ideally, have a list of people who have already agreed to be a refererence instead of having to ask when you need them. I know that doesn't really answer the actual qution but it is my bt advice
Mental_Body_5496@reddit
Absolutely this !
I have given consent for several people to use me so if I get a random email I just fill it in and ping it back.
HeyImAfox@reddit (OP)
That's actually a really good shout. Thank you! I'll do that in future
Alternative-Emu2000@reddit
Ideally you'd ask the referees in advance, rather than telling them afterwards.
A protentional employer won't be too impressed if they ask for your referees' details and you say "Can you give me more time? I haven't actually asked them if they'll give me a reference yet."
HeyImAfox@reddit (OP)
In other words they've put me on the spot.
Alternative-Emu2000@reddit
No, they haven't. This is your mistake, not theirs.
Your best bet is to contact your referees as soon as possible, apologise for the short notice and ask if they'd be willing to support your application.
Moash_For_PM@reddit
No youve put yourself on the spot.
You should have references ready before applying and putting them at end of c.v is best bet.
2 ppl is enough, teachers/profs if near education and someone from a job/voulenteering is grand
HeyImAfox@reddit (OP)
I think you might've misunderstood. They asked for the referees before the interview, so unless I ask them every time I send a job application (I send very many) or I KNOW the references will reply within 48 hours, I can't do that.
Alternative-Emu2000@reddit
You said you've got 48 hours to "upload your referees", which doesn't really make sense. A referee is a person, they can't be uploaded.
Do you mean you have to upload your referees' contact details within 48 hours?
Or do you mean your referees have 48 hours to upload a reference on your behalf?
HeyImAfox@reddit (OP)
"upload your references" is the exact language they used in the form, so it's not unusual. I'd assumed it was clear that that would mean their details (not just their contact details, their names, organisation, relationship to you, etc).
Alternative-Emu2000@reddit
SpaceTimeCapsule89@reddit
You're not making sense. When you're job searching surely you have 2 referees in mind? So you ask them at the start of your job search if they're happy to do it. You don't ask them every single time you apply for a job. The one's where you're invited to an interview or offered the job will contact them.
Moash_For_PM@reddit
Your references should be on your c.v to begin with, find relevent ppl who you trust and update now or youl be doing this over and over.
Unless your a prick anyone you ask to be one will just say sure and say nominal platitudes about you.
MoraleCheck@reddit
Why wouldn’t they be able to? Why would it be dodgy? They’re looking to employ you – not the other way around. You need to work on their terms and this isn’t wholly unreasonable.
Yes, it’s a good idea to ask your referees first. Worst case if you can’t get hold of them and have nobody else then politely email them before you submit their contact details instead of getting it totally out of the blue.
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