References on application

Redundancyissues

I’ve found a job I want to apply for, however it is asking me for references on the application. Obviously I don’t want my current employer to know I’m looking for a job unless they offer it to me. The new job won’t contact my references before offering me the job will
they? It’s with the NHS if it makes a difference.

Redundancyissues

Sorry I meant to write I don’t want my current employer to know I’m looking for another job before I’m offered one.

[Deleted User]

I have fairly recent experience as applied for a diabetic based admin position - and had to phone this very type of employer when my current boss found out about another application elsewhere but ended up not telling me who let them know - as the application was in circle of a few I had made - the hospital hr categorically assured me whatever ticked on the form in regards to reference taking is 100% honoured. I’m down to two low Calibre employers who ‘grassed’ on me simply receiving my CV through Indeed and neither were medical.

elsien

There is normally some sort of box to tick indicating that you wouldn't want your current employer informed pre-offer. 

Savvy_Sue

elsien said:

There is normally some sort of box to tick indicating that you wouldn't want your current employer informed pre-offer. 

And if there is no box, I would write above the first name / set of details "Please do not contact my current employer unless I am offered employment."

oh_really

If successful HR will contact you to give the referees a heads up on ref requests. I have not known them to not do this.

MalMonroe

The NHS application form DOES have a space to indicate that you don't want referees contacted unless you're offered the post. However when I once applied for a job with the NHS, I ticked the box saying not to contact my current employer but they contacted him anyway!! I was mortified. Especially as their usual policy is to offer a job and then request references at that point. They normally don't want to have loads of references from every applicant if they are only going to appoint one person. 

In my case, I had decided I wanted to stay in the job I was in at the time but my boss was a bit upset that I hadn't told him about my application. Oh dear. Hopefully the NHS where you are isn't quite as dozy!

MalMonroe

Savvy_Sue said:

elsien said:

There is normally some sort of box to tick indicating that you wouldn't want your current employer informed pre-offer. 

And if there is no box, I would write above the first name / set of details "Please do not contact my current employer unless I am offered employment."

As far as I know most NHS applications are now completed online so you can't write on the form. However I guess you could type it somewhere. In fact, given my previous experience I'd tick the box and type a note, too. Because sometimes things get overlooked!

[Deleted User]

From experience the NHD usually do it after an offer has been made. 

However, even then you need to remember that offer is going to be conditional.