Use this No News After Reference Check article to help you successfully navigate the hiring process.
If you want everything you need to ace your interview, click here.
Use this No News After Reference Check article to help you successfully navigate the hiring process.
If you want everything you need to ace your interview, click here.
No News After Reference Check (3 Great Follow Up Templates)
Did you have a good job interview, get to the reference checks portion of the hiring process, and then have no news after reference check?
Reference checks are a crucial part of the hiring process. They help employers learn more about your work history and qualifications, and help them determine if you’ll add value to the company. Sometimes, there is no news after reference check and it can be frustrating to wait for answers.
So what should you do next? This article provides information on how long reference checks take, what happens after a reference check, and provides answers to frequently asked questions about the reference check process.
If you’re in a situation where you had an interview and completed your reference check with no news, read on!
How long do reference checks take?
There are five variables that influence how long it takes to go from reference check to job offer:
- The seniority of the position
- If the hiring manager is a HR role or a hiring manager that runs a department or team
- How busy the reference is (and how eager they are to help)
- How many people need to sign off on the final written job offer
- If the job applicant has competing offers
Each of these variables influence how long it takes to get a job offer after a positive reference check.
The only thing that influences hiring managers to move faster is when a great job applicant shares that they have a competing offer they are considering and shares a decision-making timeline.
How long does it take to check references after interview?
When there are no red flags or concerns about your background the process to schedule and complete reference checks generally takes three to 10 business days. If something comes up in your background then the hiring manager may need more time to speak with a specific reference again and/or discuss information with HR or other members of their team.
No News After Reference Check
After interviewing an average of six to eight people the hiring manager will typically have two to three final candidates. To fairly decide who gets the job references from all final applicants need to be checked. If it is hard to get a hold of and/or schedule a time to speak with any of the final job applicant’s references there can be delays in the decision-making and hiring process.
Before assuming you’ve had no news after a reference check give the process 10 business days (approximately 2 weeks after reference check). If you have not heard from the hiring manager after 10 business days, call the hiring manager to politely follow up. If you are not able to get the hiring manager on the phone, leave a voice message and send a short email.
Voice message script example
“Hi [Insert Hiring Manager Name],
This is [First Name, Last Name]. We met on [Insert Date]. You interviewed me for the [Insert Job Title].
I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position. The next step in the process was to check my references. I briefly want to follow up and make sure you have been able to connect with my references and to provide any additional information if needed.
At your convenience, I can be reached at [Insert phone number with area code (XXX) XXX-XXXX]. I will also send you a short email to touch base.
Thank you and I hope you’re having a great day.”
Follow up email template
Subject line: Reference checks (Question)
Hi [Insert Name],
I am very excited by the possibility of joining [Insert Company] as your new [Insert Job Title]. I know connecting two people with busy schedules can be tough. I briefly want to follow up and ask if you were able to get a hold of my references?
Thank you in advance,
[Insert First Name, Last Name]
[Insert Phone Number]
[Insert Email]
Once all reference checks have been completed employers will generally contact you by phone or email within 48 hours. You don’t want to miss a job offer because you didn’t get the message or email. To ensure you don’t miss a message with a potential job offer make sure:
- Your voicemail has is not full and has space for new messages,
- To check your voicemail,
- To check your email, and
- To check your email spam folders.
It’s professional (and good) hiring etiquette for hiring managers to notify candidates who don’t receive an offer. If you do not get a response, feedback, or communication from the hiring manager after 10 business days, after you’ve left a voice message, and sent a short email you can send the following email after 15 business days (approximately 3 weeks after reference check):
Final follow up email template
Subject Line: Has the [Insert Job Title] position been filled?
Hi [Insert Name],
I was wondering if the [Insert Job Title] position has been filled?
Thank you again for your time and mutual interest.
Best,
[Insert First Name, Last Name]
[Insert Phone number]
[Insert Email]
If there is still no news after your three points of follow up then you’ve likely dodged a bullet. Good leaders know how nerve-racking and involved the interview process is for job applicants. Good leaders will communicate and either extend a job offer or let someone know another person has been hired. If the person that interviewed you does not follow up with you at all then you can only imagine what working on a team with the person might mean for you on a day-to-day basis.
What Happens After Reference Check
Once the hiring manager has completed reference checks they decide who they will extend the job offer to. The hiring manager writes the job offer and the offer is turned around to the job applicant in 24 hours to three days (depending on who has to sign off on the final offer before it is presented to the job applicant).
Is checking references the last step?
Reference checks are not the last step in the hiring process. Once the job offer is presented the last step is salary negotiation. When the hiring manager and job applicant reach an agreement on the final details of the job offer then all other job applicants are notified that the position has been filled.
If the job applicant does not accept the job offer or there is not alignment on compensation resulting in the job applicant not accepting the job offer or the offer is rescinded due to a salary negotiation gone wrong then the hiring manager will either:
- Offer the position to another favored job applicant or
- Realize they would like to start the hiring process again and notify the other job applicants that they were not selected for the position.
No News After Reference Check (FAQs)
How long does reference check take for job?
The reference check process typically takes three to 10 business days per job applicant.
How long to hear back after reference check?
When you’ll hear back after a reference check depends on if you’re the top choice for the position or not. The reference check process for each individual takes on average three to 10 business days. If you’re the top choice you’ll typically hear from the employer within three to 10 days. If you’re a second or third choice for the position it will take longer to hear back from the employer.
If you want to hear back from the employer faster, get a competing job offer and let the hiring manager know you’re interested in their company but have another offer with a deadline to respond to.
Is reference check the last step?
No, reference check is not the last step. After the hiring manager completes the reference check process they have to write the job offer and possibly get the job offer approved before they present it to you. Once you receive the job offer it’s important to review the job offer and appropriately negotiate compensation. The last steps are to successfully negotiate the job offer, get the final job offer in writing, and accept the job.
Can you get rejected after reference check?
If red flags come up during the reference check process it is possible that the hiring manager develops concerns that outweigh their interest in you after your interview. This can cause you to be rejected from the applicant pool after a reference check.
Does a reference check mean I got the job?
No, a reference check does not mean you got the job. A reference check is a signal that the hiring manager is seriously interested in potentially hiring you. If there are several strong job applicants the reference check process is used to help shine a light on the best candidate.
Conclusion
No news after reference check can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and professional. Follow up with the hiring manager if you haven’t heard anything after 15 business days, then you’ve likely dodged a bullet. Good leaders will communicate delays to job applicants and get back to every person they interview. Do you have a question about the reference check process not covered in this article? Drop it in the comments.
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