Changing your referee after submitting an application form

Summary:

Can you do it?

Changing your referee after submitting an application form

Joe (guest) 02 Mar 2016 11:05

Hi all,

I have ran into a bit of a problem and not sure what to do about it.

I have applied for a job and managed to get through to interview, yay! :), that's the good news. However, the problem I'm having is I put down a referee on my application form who is no longer contactable as they are taking some time off. Is it a bad idea to ask the interviewers if I can change my referee to somebody else? I have someone else lined up, but I'm worried the interviewers may see it as me trying to hide something by trying to change a referee (I'm aware we academics can be skeptical beings).

I just don't want to ruin my chances by asking to change - so anybody got any thoughts on what they might do in this situation?

Thanks
Joe

Re: Changing your referee after submitting an application form

Happy in the UK 02 Mar 2016 13:24

It's not a problem at all. Don't replace the recommendation but just tell them that they are likely to not get a response that and you have another one if needed. That way they can contact the person and if they don't hear anything they will have another one in line.

ThisSuitsMe (guest) 02 Mar 2016 17:08

I agree with above. I've had to check references as part of a search committee and I hate when I get no response from the people I'm supposed to be contacting. Giving this type of heads up - or just listing more people than you've been asked to list - can be really helpful for the people doing these checks.