How long do references take?

sheepy21

Hi everyone. I haven’t worked for a few years but a couple of weeks ago I was offered a job. They requested references last week and so far haven’t heard back from either of my previous employers. I’m not sure how worried to be. They said the job is subject to references and really worried about losing this opportunity.
My most recent employer from a few years ago was a difficult bully, so doubtful he’ll provide a reference even though I was a good worker.
Employer before that is a big national chain, so I’m hoping it’s just a case of HR looking me up.
I’m trying to get other referees lined up in case. Just want the wait to be over

[Deleted User]

As long as it takes. Sometimes you can start a new job before all references are back. Who knows it's up to policies of who ever is hiring you.

Apparently one employer who seemingly wasn't co-operative in the past finally came good to one recuitment agency, (depot and head office passing the buck to each other on all accounts) simply wrote dates only after much agro caused and a prediction they were next to useless in being relied upon from other feedback I'd had, for the best part of a year I had no idea that they were a bother. I started work for an agency on an overiding character ref, intrupting a friend's holiday in the end and the agency still chased from what I could tell as I was still getting messages through first/second day. I'd even left the new workplace by the time I got final reference update and the courier company would have wasted their time in even replying. And to be fair it wouldn't surprise me if their eventually writing the dates was simply a load of old cobblers.

Comms69

Since employers (except some regulated professions) aren't obliged to provide references, there's no one 'right' answer.


Generally I'd expect it to take 1-2 weeks, depending on who you put down.


e.g. former line manager who is on email daily, or busy HR dept (which it sounds like it was)

Mrsn

I accepted a job mid June and the references for 1 of my employers didn’t make it back for nearly 3 weeks due to hold ups. Try not to panic (easier said than done...) these things just take time

[Deleted User]

You could contact the individuals and chase them up.

sheepy21

Thanks everyone, trying to remain calm :rotfl:

I daren’t chase my most recent employer as it could be very awkward and probably make it less likely for him to give a reference. I’ve started lining up other referees in preparation though:o