References question

splashman

I'm currently looking to leave my current job, I'm not getting on great with the people in my office (It's just not a good fit, I've tried but it's just not working out) and I'm applying for other role. I don't want to tell anyone in work I'm applying for other jobs until I actually get one and I'm ready to give my notice, is this a good idea or should I just be up front about it (I feel that would make an already tense situation worse).

My Main question is, if I use my current manager as a reference, I'd have to ask them which would tip my hand to them, but if I exclude my current manager as a reference that's also a red flag, also, is the usual procedure for contacting references before or after you're given a job offer? any advice would be appreciated.

Law100

Prospective employers generally don't contact your references until you've been offered a job. It varies slightly depending on whether the employer is in the public or private sector. If you're looking for jobs in the civil service then references won't be contacted until you've been offered the job. Private sector employers may vary a little, sometimes they might contact your references at the stage where they want to offer you a job. Either way I would wait to ask your current manager until you've received a job offer - you can still put their details down but don't mention anything to them until you've got an offer or you're at a very late stage in the recruitment process. They are required to give you a reference or statement of employment so there's no need to let them know until you're ready/certain that you're getting an offer!

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058367297/references-question

Employers normally don't expect a reference from your current employer for obvious reasons.

Doop

First off definitely say nothing to anyone in your current job. Even if you got on great you wouldn't be telling them.. and that's the norm, nobody ever says anything until its a sure thing and they have handed in their notice.

Secondly you put on your CV or cover letter 'references available on request' that way you retain control (again this is normal). Referees are never contacted until a job offer is made and accepted. Otherwise they'd be wasting alot of time ringing referances all over the place. You then provide, two references usually, if your current manager took it well with handing in the notice etc you could ask them would they provide a reference, if not just pick two others.

splashman

Thanks for your responses, I'll keep it to myself but I'm worried that once I give my notice my manager will annoyed because I'll be leaving them in the lurch (even though I'd work my full notice, we're quite busy at the moment and it'd be hard to find a replacement) and even though you can't give a negative reference, there's things you can say and not say that can lead someone to read between the lines if that makes sense.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122575493#Comment_122575493

Exactly say nothing to your current employer - In reality there is nothing to stop him giving you a bad reference and turning potential employers off you in order to keep you.