Asked for references

Can anything be interpreted when you are asked for references after final round interviews? I thought references only came into play post-offer, during the background check. If checked before a decision, what are they looking for?

 

well the company ur interviewing with will want to verify that u worked for them when u said u did.

if the firm is seriously considering you, they'll probably call a contact you may have worked with for a recommendation

------------ I'm making it up as I go along.
 
Best Response
flyingmonkey:
A typical reference call that I have received goes -- tell me about aaaaa, is there any reason I should not hire aaaaa, how did aaaa get along with teamworkers, and what should aaaaaa improve on? ..... I hope this helps.
My number is very close to the HR number at my firm and I constantly get misdialed calls. "Hi. I am calling for employment confirmation on XXXX. Can you please tell me when he worked for the firm and his last position?"

Many firms are prohibited by internal policy from giving references- they can only give employment confirmation. In reality, there's unofficial channels in which people will find out how you work with others, but officially, most firms only do employment confirmation.

 

Yes they'll call the contact and ask about me.

Problem is it's company policy (of the firm I had worked with before that they're contacting) not to reveal anything other than name and dates of employment.

I'm guessing the current company I'm interviewing at would want more than that, otherwise how would they narrow down to one candidate based on that?

-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.
 
flyingmonkey:
I am trying to tell you that in spite of the limited discussion policy, hiring companies do find information out about you, they may call a client, or may call a colleague who doesn't follow policy - I have seen this happen.
Thanks :)

I hope they ask one of the senior ppl about my past then... I tend to have better (and more consistent) relationships with them, while my relations with junior staff can fluctuate.

-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.
 

Reprehenderit qui delectus provident aperiam dolorem qui et. Vero quasi quaerat officia et rerum eum itaque illo. Aut quis et ducimus voluptates minima enim. Amet error nobis voluptatem deserunt. Non porro qui porro aut blanditiis omnis. Consequatur rerum est molestiae a.

 

Est earum fuga doloribus animi. Aperiam ipsa hic adipisci enim sapiente labore iste.

Quas reiciendis cumque reprehenderit nulla qui. Tenetur doloremque saepe consequatur quas. Perferendis dolorem tempore quidem reiciendis atque nulla qui. Atque expedita architecto quia explicabo aut.

Vel dolorum quia mollitia animi. Laboriosam tempore ex maiores odit minima aut.

-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”