Krosen and/or other HR professionals out there?

[Labradorks]

I have a friend who left her old job a few years ago due to employer stability issues. She took a job that she thought was promising but has realized she doesn't care for, so she started looking. She emailed her previous manager who she stays in touch with for a reference. The manager replied that she would, of course, giver her a reference. And by the way, would she consider coming back to work for her now that the company is profitable again and on the right track? My friend said "let's talk" and then got a call for another position and did her screening and first interview on the phone. The manager went on vacation. My friend then was chosen as a top three and had her in-person interview. It seemed to go well but one never knows until they know. After that interview she checked her email on her phone and the previous manager emailed and said she would love to do lunch that same day. Being that the offices are two blocks apart and my friend had time, she accepted.

So, my friend went to lunch with the previous manager and talked about the position. It's a similar position as before with more responsibilities and therefore a raise in pay. My friend really wants the job she interviewed for and isn't sure she wants to go back to the old company though it would solve a lot of problems.

The manager is listed as a reference on the application for the job she wants but it would be a conflict of interest for the other company to call and ask for her to supply a reference for this other position with the other -- competing -- company. So should my friend let the hiring manager know so they don't call her? The manager has been busy and out of town so she hasn't supplied a letter of recommendation yet but said she would by next week which may be too late as the other company plans to make a decision early next week.

[krosen]

I would be honest with the old job and say you are waiting to hear from a recent opportunity, and then I would throw in "oh and btw, i used you as a reference since it was before you asked me to come back". If she would rather this new job, then go that route, however she could also play russian roulette and say it anyways in the hopes that it ups the old jobs offer.

In the meantime while the manager is out, I hope your friend has another good reference at her old job she can use, and I'd ask the hiring manager to use that one instead. Unfortunately, your friend should have been honest with her old job in the first place and them know she was in the running for a position at another company.

FYI..the manager will not waste time writing up a reference letter while she thinks your friend may be coming back.

[Labradorks]

I would be honest with the old job and say you are waiting to hear from a recent opportunity, and then I would throw in "oh and btw, i used you as a reference since it was before you asked me to come back". If she would rather this new job, then go that route, however she could also play russian roulette and say it anyways in the hopes that it ups the old jobs offer.

In the meantime while the manager is out, I hope your friend has another good reference at her old job she can use, and I'd ask the hiring manager to use that one instead. Unfortunately, your friend should have been honest with her old job in the first place and them know she was in the running for a position at another company.

FYI..the manager will not waste time writing up a reference letter while she thinks your friend may be coming back.

Thanks for the insight. My friend did let the old manager know, but they did not talk details. Actually, when they went to lunch the old manager said she looked nice and asked why she was in a suit to which my friend replied that she had just had an interview. No details and no questions. When my friend asked for a letter she also asked if she could put the old manager down as a reference to which the old manager replied yes, so she did. And it was a couple days later that the manager asked her to come back (I got that part wrong initially)..

I asked her her today about the potential new job and apparently things went over time wise at the interview and she did not have the chance to ask about next steps but did not worry about it, knowing that she could just ask their HR/recruiter person via email, which she did. But neither of us can remember whether references are called before or after the initial offer. I swear that in my last position I was made an offer pending reference checks and a mandatory background check.

So, basically it sounds as if she's been upfront without too many details as she is in kind of a weird situation.

[krosen]

I would mention to the hiring manager that they have asked her to come back, and them let them call the old manager. Basically, just say "I just wanted to let you know that the reference I have used is my old manager, and they have since asked me to come back, so I just wanted to let you know that before you call her in case she mentions it to you, but I am really hoping I get this position" and if the hiring manager then asks well what did you tell them, just say "I let them know I am in the running for a position elsewhere, and I will let them know the outcome"

This will let the hiring manager know to watch for what the old manager says and any strange behavior or mannerisms she might emit.

Offers are proposed and discussed and then the deal is signed, sealed and delivered based on pending approval of background and reference checks. Not all companies do it this way though. There is nothing stopping a company from calling a reference before the offer is made, at least not here.