Does reference checking imply job offer?

[bostoniannurse]

I recently interviewed for a new grad RN position, and a few days later I received a call that they were going to move forward and check my references through an online website. Does HR check references on all of the final candidates to narrow it down before offering the job, or are they planning to offer me the job and are checking my references as standard procedure? Also, how long should I wait to hear back about the job before calling HR?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Reference checking is part of standard procedure; it does not mean that they are going to be offering you the job. What those references tell them can influence the final decision.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP:

Here the usual sequence:

If you've been interviewed and you're a good prospect, they will check your references.

If you've been interviewed and excluded, as the bard said, "they ain't checking your references."

That's it 1-2-6.