Can I ask to see my reference? - LEGAL

[IceBoy]

Hi All,

I have been applying for jobs recently and have been pretty successful at getting to 2nd interviews, even after having passed online tests etc.

The thing is, in a couple of instance, where I have been 99% sure, that I will at least get an offer.....it never happens.

So it go me thinking a little.....could I ask the company I am going interview with, to see the reference they were given?

Thanks in advance.
Iceboy

[randlemarcus]

Only if you want those companies to ask "erm, why?".

IIRC, & IANAL, the reference itself is considered confidential, so you are not automatically entitled to see it. I've always found the best way is to get a friendly third party to request one, as if you were applying to work there, and see what it says.

It might not be a bad one, and then you need to look again at yourself (and seek decent feedback).

[rpguk]

It might be worth putting in a subject access request with your previous employer (I.e the one who wrote the reference). I should expect the reference would contain personal information about you and if they have a copy on record should give it over. Would likely cost a tenner.

Most companies stick to objective data as anything which can't be proved has the potential to become problematic.

[spikeyhead]

Towards the end of the interview, ask them if they need any more information in order to make a decision.

[extraT]

call up the HR and request a reference- get it sent to a "fake address" e.g parents etc.. to read it?

[edc]

extraT said:

call up the HR and request a reference- get it sent to a "fake address" e.g parents etc.. to read it?

Why would a company send a reference to a residential address let alone be that careless with information and send it out without validating the request?

[Digger]

If someone on PH were feeling generous and looked in the OP's profile, has a company within the OP's locale and within their field of expertise they might just be willing to PM the OP to help out?! Possibly. Not sure it's really the done thing though!

[IceBoy]

LOL - Digger.

Please, I'm not asking for anyone to start asking for my references !! LOL !!

IceBoy

[Digger]

Worth a go eh!?

[rpguk]

Bloody great idea I thought gents!

[Simbu]

In my experience references are only asked for after a job offer has been made, i.e. "Here is your job offer subject to satisfactory references". Is this not typical?

My CV has always said "Professional and character references available on request", which has never been a problem.

[Gargamel]

Rathetcthan speculate, why not approach one of the near miss firms and say.

"I am an adult, please, without worrying about offending me, tell me why I didn't get this job." Please help me, because I want to find a new role and if I can learn from my experiences or if I have made a mistake in the process it will assist me next time round.

[Barbarossa]

When I've been asked to give references, HR have been worried about any possible comeback and have insisted that I give no more than the basic facts.

[craigjm]

in 99% of organisations references are not taken up until after an offer is made. It wont be your references causing this. Under the data protection act you can ask to see your personnel file for each of your previous employers which will show you any references and what they contain. They may charge you a fee for allowing you access though.

[Landlord]

Gargamel said:

Rathetcthan speculate, why not approach one of the near miss firms and say.

"I am an adult, please, without worrying about offending me, tell me why I didn't get this job." Please help me, because I want to find a new role and if I can learn from my experiences or if I have made a mistake in the process it will assist me next time round.

You might find HR/hiring peeps disinclined to answer that question apart with a "there was a more suitable candidate". Employment and discriminatory law is such a minefield that most places demur when it comes to saying anything that may bite them on the arse.

I think someone asking for one on the OP's behalf is the "best" option.

Everywhere I've worked for many years now only give "I can confirm that Landlord worked here between x and y. He left with a clean record". The facts and nothing else (no "he was a bit lazy and read PH a lot" unless I was formally bked for it). Similarly most places I've worked for only ever ask for that level of reference. They go simply on my performance at the interview (plus how much I bung them when I shake their hand good-bye)

[anonymous-user]

Gargamel said:

Rathetcthan speculate, why not approach one of the near miss firms and say.

"I am an adult, please, without worrying about offending me, tell me why I didn't get this job." Please help me, because I want to find a new role and if I can learn from my experiences or if I have made a mistake in the process it will assist me next time round.

This. At least they'll know that they made the right decision.

[Landlord]

REALIST123 said:

This. At least they'll know that they made the right decision.