Didn't get the job despite request for references...
And now my manager knows I am looking.
Why ask for references if you're just going with an internal candidate?
Made it through four rounds of interviews before being asked for references (to include current manager) only to get the automated rejection email a couple of days later. Didn't even contact my references. HR said feedback from team was positive, but they wanted someone internal.
Why put anyone through all of that if you're just going with someone internal?
I get that HR/org probably made them open it externally and go through the whole process, but ugh. I am just so frustrated.
Edit to address some of the comments:
They specifically requested 2-3 references with one including my direct manager.
They didn't contact my references.
I asked my references first if they were okay with me submitting their information.
I told my manager I was interviewing for an opportunity and that they requested a reference from my direct manager. I wanted to be sure he was willing to give me a reference.
As a people leader myself and someone that has promoted transparency and communication on my team, I did not want my manager to find out I was interviewing from the company.
In most cases, I would agree: do not tell your manager/company until you have offer in hand.
Thankfully. I do not work at a toxic company. They do truly support an employee's mobility and growth. I am sure there are managers there that do not, but the culture as a whole does.
My manager is aware of and supports my long term career goals. This role checked off all my boxes.
I would be happy to be a reference for anyone on my team if they chose to look for another position. Would I be disappointed? Absolutely, but I believe in investing in their growth. And if part of that growth means leaving, that's fine.
I would still feel disappointed and want to plan for their eventual departure. Whether they get the job or not.
I know my manager is now thinking that way. Has he informed his manager? Would this affect a near future promotion? Things that were worth the risk when I thought I had the job.
And I know that nothing is guaranteed unless you have the offer in writing. I allowed my past experiences to influence my expectations. Never received a request for references at the end, without an offer or an offer soon following.
I am not upset they went with an internal candidate. If we were well matched in skillset, they still have business knowledge that I don't. It's that they asked for references despite having already decided on the internal candidate.
Appreciate people sharing their experiences. I've been on both sides of the interview table and sometimes I've gone in fully expecting to hire internally and then it didn't happen for whatever reason. As a hiring manager myself and having worked closely with our recruiters, we would never ask for references without an offer or at least check those references prior to making a final decision.