Reference Advice

Rictov1985

Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma, the specifics of which I've not discovered the answer to on any forums yet. I've just resigned from my current role and agreed to take a Store Manager with Lidl GB. Something I'm looking forward to. However as part of their recruitment process they use Experian to do background checks. I've completed all the required information however my reference information looked like this:

1. Job I'm working notice for - No problem obtaining a reference. Been there 10 months.
2. Previous job, reference will be a problem as I left pending further investigation. (A personal matter). Worked there for nearly 2 years and skipped this job on the portal.
3. Job before the one in point 2. No problem obtaining a reference and worked there for three years.

I guess my question is, does it matter that I skipped point 2 on the reference request? My understanding is that I'm entitled to put down any employer reference I want? The system doesn't allow you to pick and choose, and I definitely wanted to provide one from the company in point three.

What's everyone thinking? Will I have my accepted offer withdrawn? Or do you think I'll be fine?

Massively appreciate the support everyone. References make me feel like I've been a criminal in the past, it's awful!

Thanks

Marcon

Rictov1985 said:

Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma, the specifics of which I've not discovered the answer to on any forums yet. I've just resigned from my current role and agreed to take a Store Manager with Lidl GB. Something I'm looking forward to. However as part of their recruitment process they use Experian to do background checks. I've completed all the required information however my reference information looked like this:

1. Job I'm working notice for - No problem obtaining a reference. Been there 10 months.
2. Previous job, reference will be a problem as I left pending further investigation. (A personal matter). Worked there for nearly 2 years and skipped this job on the portal.
3. Job before the one in point 2. No problem obtaining a reference and worked there for three years.

I guess my question is, does it matter that I skipped point 2 on the reference request? My understanding is that I'm entitled to put down any employer reference I want? The system doesn't allow you to pick and choose, and I definitely wanted to provide one from the company in point three.

What's everyone thinking? Will I have my accepted offer withdrawn? Or do you think I'll be fine?

Massively appreciate the support everyone. References make me feel like I've been a criminal in the past, it's awful!

Thanks

I'm not sure I understand the bit I've marked in bold above and not being able to 'pick and choose' which referees to use. Do you mean you left out job 2 altogether? If so, how did you deal with the 'gap' between your current job and the one in point 3? If you omitted a job and lied about the dates you worked for other employers, you could have a problem when the references show dates which differ from those you have claimed. 

Rictov1985

Marcon said:

Rictov1985 said:

Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma, the specifics of which I've not discovered the answer to on any forums yet. I've just resigned from my current role and agreed to take a Store Manager with Lidl GB. Something I'm looking forward to. However as part of their recruitment process they use Experian to do background checks. I've completed all the required information however my reference information looked like this:

1. Job I'm working notice for - No problem obtaining a reference. Been there 10 months.
2. Previous job, reference will be a problem as I left pending further investigation. (A personal matter). Worked there for nearly 2 years and skipped this job on the portal.
3. Job before the one in point 2. No problem obtaining a reference and worked there for three years.

I guess my question is, does it matter that I skipped point 2 on the reference request? My understanding is that I'm entitled to put down any employer reference I want? The system doesn't allow you to pick and choose, and I definitely wanted to provide one from the company in point three.

What's everyone thinking? Will I have my accepted offer withdrawn? Or do you think I'll be fine?

Massively appreciate the support everyone. References make me feel like I've been a criminal in the past, it's awful!

Thanks

I'm not sure I understand the bit I've marked in bold above and not being able to 'pick and choose' which referees to use. Do you mean you left out job 2 altogether? If so, how did you deal with the 'gap' between your current job and the one in point 3? If you omitted a job and lied about the dates you worked for other employers, you could have a problem when the references show dates which differ from those you have claimed. 

Hi Marcon,

Thanks for replying!

So I haven't lied about the dates. The Experian system doesn't flag there's a gap, it just allows you to put the dates in that I worked for the companies I listed and of course, the reason for leaving. 

I discussed my CV in full with all my interviewers throughout the process, it's just that on the reference request portal. I include my recent company and the one from the company before the last one and left a gap. The dates are all correct.

Does that make sense?

El_Torro

Your new employer (Lidl) might want references from all your recent employers. Of course you can refuse to give details, that's up to you. However Lidl can also choose to withdraw their offer as a result of this, that's up to them. Lidl or Experian might ask you why there is a gap in your employment history, or they might not. If they do then be careful about what you say as things might get messy quickly.

Even if you do give details of the job where you left pending an investigation it's possible that they just give details on when you started and when you left and not mention the fact that there was an investigation pending. 

I'm not sure what I'd do in your position. Many people say that being upfront and honest is the best policy, though if you do this you might not like the consequences. Maybe best to see what happens next, though be prepared for follow up questions.

Rictov1985

El_Torro said:

Your new employer (Lidl) might want references from all your recent employers. Of course you can refuse to give details, that's up to you. However Lidl can also choose to withdraw their offer as a result of this, that's up to them. Lidl or Experian might ask you why there is a gap in your employment history, or they might not. If they do then be careful about what you say as things might get messy quickly.

Even if you do give details of the job where you left pending an investigation it's possible that they just give details on when you started and when you left and not mention the fact that there was an investigation pending. 

I'm not sure what I'd do in your position. Many people say that being upfront and honest is the best policy, though if you do this you might not like the consequences. Maybe best to see what happens next, though be prepared for follow up questions.

Thanks for coming back to me.

Well, I'll be sure to put an update on here following what happens next, if anything. I guess if they challenge why there's a gap I'll provide them with the details of who to contact and cross my fingers they just put dates in!

Jillanddy

If this is Experian, my experience is that they will definitely flag job 2 unless the employer confirms dates and says nothing. That doesn't mean that Lidl won't give you the job - but they may require an explanation, and if asked, be nothing less than truthful. It is often not the facts that betray people, but lies. If you put anything less than the truth for your reason for leaving, then that might come back to haunt you - if the employer found out at a later stage they may choose to terminate your employment. That has nothing to do with references. And it is often surprising how many people you trip over who might tell on you. 

gettingtheresometime

As a side issue why did you resign from your current job before the job was confirmed?

Rictov1985

gettingtheresometime said:

As a side issue why did you resign from your current job before the job was confirmed?

Because I’ve been offered the job, signed and returned the contract.

[Deleted User]

gettingtheresometime said:

As a side issue why did you resign from your current job before the job was confirmed?

Because of Integrity?

Some Employers do not take well to applying of others jobs, let alone, 'stringing along' during the reference request as to suit.

I had no idea how people string their Employers along that a reference request is just coming 'out of interest'. Is really isn't very clear at all on this forum actually. 
Then to quite happily resign a month or 2 down the line. I don't see how people 'get away with it'
Without integrity ever being questioned and something never been documented on here in well over 10 years. I've read a lot of threads and not one is clear is clear I retained my job through lying through my pants after refence requested, because the risk was to great.

My own experience is that you can write a personal statement.  I'm going from private to public sector. I have an Email which mentions a 'personal statement' can be written and asks for one current reference. Also made clear if you don't respond to checks and document sending in 2 weeks the job offer is withdrawn anyhow. (never quite read that bit on here either for the public sector industry)  I'm lucky I don't mind job seeking, don't believe there are no jobs out there and rather then lie to a boss, I am willing to take all risk. 

74jax

Deleted User said:

gettingtheresometime said:

As a side issue why did you resign from your current job before the job was confirmed?

Because of Integrity?

, I am willing to take all risk. 

Really?

No way at all would I resign until I had an unconditional offer sealed.

Not everyone jumps from job to job, it might be the norm for you, but not everyone. 

Jillanddy

Deleted User said:

gettingtheresometime said:

As a side issue why did you resign from your current job before the job was confirmed?

Because of Integrity?

Some Employers do not take well to applying of others jobs, let alone, 'stringing along' during the reference request as to suit.

I had no idea how people string their Employers along that a reference request is just coming 'out of interest'. Is really isn't very clear at all on this forum actually. 
Then to quite happily resign a month or 2 down the line. I don't see how people 'get away with it'
Without integrity ever being questioned and something never been documented on here in well over 10 years. I've read a lot of threads and not one is clear is clear I retained my job through lying through my pants after refence requested, because the risk was to great.

My own experience is that you can write a personal statement.  I'm going from private to public sector. I have an Email which mentions a 'personal statement' can be written and asks for one current reference. Also made clear if you don't respond to checks and document sending in 2 weeks the job offer is withdrawn anyhow. (never quite read that bit on here either for the public sector industry)  I'm lucky I don't mind job seeking, don't believe there are no jobs out there and rather then lie to a boss, I am willing to take all risk. 

I may be wrong, but looking at your posting history it doesn't seem to be a matter of you taking all the risks, more one of you flitting from one unhappy job to another repeatedly? Certainly, you seem to have more than your fair share of disasterous employment scenarios.

That said, I can't understand what you are saying at all. I have literally never come across anyone "stringing and employer along" by saying a reference request is speculative; and I have never met an employer stupid enough to believe such rubbish. An employer can only be approached for a reference after someone has applied for a role with them, and given permission for the reference to be taken up.  Integrity has absolutely nothing to do with anything. and it is utter rubbish to suggest that employees lie about getting a reference request.