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.
 

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

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