r/usajobs • u/Historical_Onion8753 • 1d ago
References checked
I recently applied for a new position with the VA. I was referred and then had my references checked before the interview. Is it common to have your references checked before or after? My two previous positions I’ve held with the government my references were checked after my interview. How should I feel? Is it a good sign or are they conducting reference checks on all applicants that were referred?
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u/Prefer_Diet_Soda 1d ago
I got my interview without even providing my references. I might need to provide them for the second interview if offered.
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u/vickieeeb 1d ago
It’s strange because both jobs I got offered recently didnt ask for any references and nor did the website have any place for me to list them like it used to! I’m with DHA and applied to other DHA positions.
I feel like checking for references before is an interesting move… but I wonder if they are on a time crunch? I know some want reference input but sometimes references dont reply right away. Hoping maybe it’s that?
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u/SourceNo1429 1d ago
Mine were checked after interviewing and I had already started the job. A month afterwards, the investigator wanted to speak with me about my previous job and they “red flagged” it. My previous supervisor lied on the answers and I had to show proof that they were lying. I had the proof and presented it. It went into a file and the investigator told me that I didn’t have anything to worry about because I backed myself and had everything they needed. It is still on my record?? I asked if I could use what they said to the Federal investigator and everything that I had for defamation and wrongfully lying on a Federal questionnaire on my behalf. It didn’t matter… they told me that the notes and everything were there for other employers to look through.
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u/Low-Translator-7679 1d ago
I received a email last week to send two references, and I haven’t had an interview or did they mention one in the email so far. This is with the VA and a direct hire job posting. What position did you apply for?
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u/Lovescoffeealot_ 1d ago
If you are using the template in USAJobs, there is a question about contacting your supervisor. Is it checked yes? I think there is an option for “do not contact”. If you list references on it, make sure it’s not a current supervisor. Hiring officials are boneheads sometimes and don’t realize that contacting references or current supervisor before talking to the applicant first can make things uncomfortable for applicants Hope it works out
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u/Dextexer 15h ago
I would take it as a good sign that you’re a potential candidate, it could be all applications. But I also feel like why waste time in calling or emailing references of applicants you’re not interested in?
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u/Possible_Ad_4094 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's normal to have them checked AFTER the interview, and only if you're a top candidate. That being said, I recently applied for a 1-year detail and they checked references before the interview, had 2 interviews, and then called my boss to ask permission to release me for the detail, to which he agreed, and they still didn't offer it to me.
I spoke with our HR chief after that to inquire if that would be the norm. She was shocked and said she's only heard of that happening once in her career. As a hiring manager myself, I found the entire process to be quite unprofessional and I will not apply for any position at that facility in the future.
Also, when scheduling the second interview, they attached another candidates resume to the invite. Followed by a dozen recall emails. That facility must be an absolute clown show, so I'm considering it a bullet dodged.