Providing references for lateral move

I have been asked to provide references after a few rounds of interviews. 1. How many is appropriate? and 2. can they be a mix of internal and external references? I am a little hesitant to ask my direct supervisor if he will provide a reference because I am sure he will not want me to leave, although we do have a close relationships. 3. Do I need to include him 4. In your experience, if you are told they are checking references does that mean the job is yours to lose?

7 Comments
 
  1. two to three
  2. yes
  3. no, don't ask him. there's too much risk, unless you're 100% sure he won't mind
  4. yes

please be more specific as to wtf you're applying for and what your position is now your current questions are too difficult to answer- 0 context

.
 
Best Response

Allowed to use other references.

I've been a reference for some good people who left because of personality conflicts with their direct managers (a VP or Director who was an a$$). As long as they can speak to the fact that they've worked with you directly in a supervisory role (usually at least one full level up for analysts and associates), people are usually fine with that.

Because of high turn over, ideal situation is usually someone who had worked with you a lot in your current role, but has left for some reason. I once used a Director as a reference who I worked with who left the country for personal (non-performance related) reasons. Wasn't because I didn't like my direct manager, but I expressed sensitivity about people at my current work knowing I was thinking of leaving.

 

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