Potential employer just called me to tell me one of my references is trying to take the role. /u/returnFutureVoid CSCQ protests reddit

I worked somewhere for a while and got along great with everyone. It was a tough project with a lot of customer interference but one guy I had a good working relationship during and after I left offered to be a reference for me. Great. Several interviews and code share later they are checking refs and the one guy I had the least worries about turns out to be contacting the recruiter separately about the position. Employer said they would expand the team if things were going well and he was my first thought. I honestly don’t know what to think. I’m half embarrassed and half angry. Not sure what do with his LinkedIn connection. Obvs never using him for a reference again.

Edit: He found out about the job through me asking him for a reference. To my knowledge he hasn’t applied.

I worked somewhere for a while and got along great with everyone. It was a tough project with a lot of customer interference but one guy I had a good working relationship during and after I left offered to be a reference for me. Great. Several interviews and code share later they are checking refs and the one guy I had the least worries about turns out to be contacting the recruiter separately about the position. Employer said they would expand the team if things were going well and he was my first thought. I honestly don’t know what to think. I’m half embarrassed and half angry. Not sure what do with his LinkedIn connection. Obvs never using him for a reference again.

Edit: He found out about the job through me asking him for a reference. To my knowledge he hasn’t applied.