Just got an Offer. Should I get my References a Gift?

Just got an offer for my post-banking job. My references had to fill out a pretty lengthy questionnaire (paragraph-length responses to several questions); also, one of them sent their responses to me, and it's clear that they put some time and thought into them. Would it be appropriate to send them gifts? Was thinking something like a nice fifth, but open to other options too.

9 Comments
 

My personal view is no.

A sincere thank you email will definitely be appreciated, but gifts with a monetary value (even if that value is de minimus) might put your referees in an awkward position. It probably doesn't need to be declared to compliance given the low value, but I don't know the policy at every firm, and your referees might not know themselves. It certainly isn't expected (I at least wouldn't expect it).

I'd just be safe and express your gratitude in an email / call.

 

Think it depends how close you are to them. When I was recruiting, two people helped me a ton (not references, but older mentors who interview prepped and made some intros). I took them to a pretty nice dinner as a thank you.

Handwritten card is never a bad option

 

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