How to obtain reference letters when moving to a competitor company?

Question

I applied for a position in a competitor company. They are now interested in me and wish to conduct an interview. As part of the "standard" process, I'm asked to provide reference letters and an authorization for the hiring company to check my employment history.

My question is how to handle this nicely so I maintain good relationship with both companies.

1. I have good relationships with my current manager; they like my work. Resigning would probably be a surprise.
2. Moving to a competitor is an option, not a necessity.
3. I intend to announce me resigning only after I have secured a better offer. If the interviews go badly (or I don't like the new offer for whatever reason), things should turn out like nothing has happened.

Do people usually ask for reference letters from their managers at the beginning of a job search? Or only after they have received a (maybe "conditional") offer?

Answer 1

1. Put your notice in due time. Keep doing your job as good as always till the end.
2. It's your choice and only yours unless there is a non concurrence clause in your contract.
3. Good.

You can ask reference letters from previous employers/managers, as in prior to you current job. If your prospective employer ask for a reference from your current employer, respectfully decline, saying that you haven't put your notice in yet and prefer to wait until you secure an offer letter.

Answer 2

Do people usually ask for reference letters from their managers at the beginning of a job search? Or only after they have received a (maybe "conditional") offer?

In my experience, employers do not ask for or expect reference letters from current managers.

Most hiring managers/recruiters understand that obtaining references from your current employer is problematic at best.

If the employer insists on such a reference (which could jeopardize your current job), that's a red flag, and probably an opportunity not worth following up on.

I'm asked to provide reference letters

Reference letters can be from peers, leads, former managers, or others who have worked with you from a position of authority. It's to provide some objectivity regarding what you say you have done and what you are like as a person and potential employee.

and an authorization for the hiring company to check my employment history.

The hiring company will likely only confirm your employment at your current place of work, by contacting HR, rather than your manager(s) directly. This is common practice for other services, such as a financial institution who needs verification of employment/income.

As you say, the most important thing is to wait until you have a signed offer letter in hand before giving notice. That way, if you don't find something new, you can continue on in your current role in the same status as before.

Answer 3

Normally you only provide references after you accept a position and hand in your notice. Before then you can tell them that you have references available.

They should normally check your employment history after you accept an offer as well. The offer will be conditional on your references and employment history checking out.

That way if you don't accept or don't get the role no harm is done to your current employment.