UK Recruitment Glossary
Reference Check
In recruiter context
Almost always done after the offer, before the contract is fully active. Most UK reference checks are factual (dates, role title, reason for leaving), because employers are nervous about defamation. Where the company asks for opinion-based references, the conversation is short — 10 minutes — and one negative reference can sink an offer. Choose referees who actually liked working with you, not just senior names.
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