Reference check in progress
This status usually means the employer is verifying references before confirming a final hiring decision.
Last updated: 2026-02-22
Also seen as: reference check in progress, references being checked
Definition
Reference check in progress usually means the company is contacting listed references to confirm work history and role fit signals.
What’s usually happening behind the scenes
Recruiting teams or vendors are often reaching out to references, collecting responses, and documenting them for decision-makers.
Why it stays in this status
Reference availability, response delays, and internal review timing commonly keep this stage open.
How long it usually lasts
It often lasts a few business days to about two weeks, depending on reference response speed.
What usually doesn’t help
Sending repeated requests for immediate updates usually does not speed external reference responses.
When action might make sense
If no timeline was shared, a concise follow-up is often reasonable after about one to two weeks. If a timeline was shared, following up after that window is often reasonable while continuing other active applications.
Related statuses
Disclaimer
This page is general informational guidance and may not match every employer process.