job application query

[anonymous-user]

I have heard a rumour that a large company are taking on staff. They put an ad in the paper but have been unimpressed with the applications received. A friend of a friend who works there called said friend to ask if she was interested as the vacancies are in the same field of work. My friend notified me of the recruitment drive, she is not interested in the vacancies but thought I might be. She said all they require is a CV and covering letter. So the question is quite simple, if i apply for a new job by way of sending in a CV and covering letter, when would expect a company to approach the personnel branch of my current employer? when they receive my application?, before an interview?, after an interview or even following my acceptance?

[Plotloss]

References are generally taken up once you've started or sometimes accepted a job somewhere...