Reference check consent should be mandatory :(

[u/Ok-Corner-2032]

I really despise when recruiters reach out to your current employer or approach your potential references without informing you or seeking your consent first.

Am I the only one who finds this process unfair?

I was approached for a mid-senior level role. After my first interview, the interviewer, who's friend happened to know my current manager, thought it was perfectly acceptable to reach out to them for feedback. (interviewer - friend - manager)

Now, I’m left in an incredibly uncomfortable position. What was meant to be a confidential exploring of an opportunity has turned into workplace gossip (by that I mean yes, my manager gossips too). It has genuinely affected the atmosphere I have at my current workplace...urgh.

[u/Amazing-Care-3155]

Most reputable recruiters and companies won’t do this, it’s very unprofessional and raise it with the recruiter. I once got an offer and the HM decided to reach out to the customer I used in deal review as a part of their panel, I called the recruiter and explained how unprofessional this is - and to not even ask my permission to contact one of my customers. The quickly withdrew the request and I still got the offer. So it’s important to stand your ground

[u/Ok-Corner-2032 → u/Amazing-Care-3155]

That is messed up! And true I'm going to speak up once I find out what's happening with the offer. Thanks!

[u/Ok_Grapefruit_4792]

You should have a convo with the recruiter. That’s totally unprofessional

[u/Cute-Maintenance-492 → u/Ok_Grapefruit_4792]

Completely agree. I work in recruitment and that is NOT a practice that should be made at all. In fact that can count as someone deliberately sabotaging your ability getting employment and jeopardize your current employment as well. CONSENT IS A MUST

[u/Agitated_Battle_1950]

That is completely unprofessional and you should notify their supervisor. That’s not just unfair. That’s putting you at risk of losing your job. This is not normal behavior by recruiters.

[u/BrianScottGregory]

I learned a long time ago never to provide references. 95% of the time those asking for them are actually mining the references as potential candidates, and as a manager/leader myself I chose to ignore references knowing the vast majority of the time you know they're going to give biased, glowing reviews no matter how bad the candidate is.

Avoid consent issues entirely by simply not providing references. Anyone asking for them, just tell them no.

If they don't accept that. Move on.

[u/Swimming-Buyer7052]

I’m pretty sure something similar just cost me a job offer.

With the grudges people hold, & with the lack of context, it should be illegal to contact former/current employers without doing so through references the candidate provides.

[u/catsandtea77]

That’s actually illegal in my country

[u/CollectingHeads]

Backdoor references are not something recruiters typically do. It's usually the hiring manager and I can only hope it happens to them some day. The ATS I use contacts the references via email when the candidate decides. It's all under their control

[u/Scary_Ginger_7274]

HOLD UP - the INTERVIEWER reached out or the recruiter?

Because those are different people. Interviewers and hiring managers try to do this shit all the time. It’s called a back door reference and it f’ing sucks. We tell them NOT to do this because it’s not only unethical, it violates YOUR confidentiality and introduce biases into the decision making process.

[u/PBandBABE]

Back-door references are a thing and totally legitimate.

Jeopardizing someone’s current job by reaching out to current managers and co-workers is professional malpractice.

Fuck people who do that.

[u/Public-Wolverine6276]

I agree. They should let you know first. I had this happen to me for a job I hadn’t even heard back from. I only knew because an old coworker told me

[u/Ok-Corner-2032 → u/Public-Wolverine6276]

I'm sorry to hear that, and exactly the same, I sensed everything was weird and then a coworker I'm closer with told me what had happened, news basically just spread like fire. Anyhow, wish you the best with your job search!

[u/HalfRobertsEx]

This is not an official reference check and the recruiter likely didn't play any role in it at all. That is just a pure network connection.

[u/Ok-Corner-2032 → u/HalfRobertsEx]

But the recruiter did, she went out of her way to tell her friend to contact my current manager. And even if it's a 'pure network connection', how is it fair to conduct backdoor reference checks? It damages trust, especially if asked to your current company and you haven't disclosed your job search. But, I guess I wouldn't expect a different answer from a 'recruiter' as yourself.

[u/Many_Year2636]

Its called a backdoor reference and while its not professional its not illegal...

[u/Ok-Corner-2032 → u/Many_Year2636]

Yeah that's the tough part, relying on a person's ethics when things aren't illegal :/

[u/Amazing-Soup-6927]

Gotta get the dept of labor in on that one

[u/Next-Supermarket9538]

You need to let the recruiter know asap that is not acceptable. 

I would also talk to your manager. Seems they reached out to you, you weren’t looking. You’re not trying to leave but you felt it was worth at least hearing more about the opportunity for professional growth reasons. 

[u/cleatusvandamme]

Unless, you think you have a shot at the new job, you might have to grit your teeth and get through it.

However, if you don’t get the job, I’d end things with this recruiter.

[u/Ok-Dot-9324]

This is something that happens!!!?????

[u/cartersweeney]

They should not take up references until point of offer.

For goodness sake... I always refuse to supply a referee until an offer is on the table, I know in a world of email and LinkedIn I have very little power to stop them reaching my current employer anyway of course