Reference no longer works at firm

This question is regarding background checks and references.

I worked at a boutique IB and want to use my old boss as a reference. However, my old boss no longer works at the boutique IB anymore. Is it still acceptable to use him as a reference, or will employers want a reference who still presently works at the firm?

Thanks in advance.

5 Comments
 

Yes, he should be an acceptable reference. Some employers may ask for an additional reference that still works at the firm, but most ought to accept this guy.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 
CompBanker

Yes, he should be an acceptable reference. Some employers may ask for an additional reference that still works at the firm, but most ought to accept this guy.

Thanks, CompBanker. Do you think his reference is acceptable (and firms won't ask for a second reference from the boutique IB) if he currently works a very renowned firm? (One of the largest AM in the world)

 
Best Response
Goldman Stanley CompBanker:

Yes, he should be an acceptable reference. Some employers may ask for an additional reference that still works at the firm, but most ought to accept this guy.

Thanks, CompBanker. Do you think his reference is acceptable (and firms won't ask for a second reference from the boutique IB) if he currently works a very renowned firm? (One of the largest AM in the world)

Yes, this should be fine. It is up to the company making the reference check to determine if it is acceptable, but I think MOST companies will be okay with such a reference.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

Minus dicta esse reprehenderit qui. Quis nihil illo doloremque officia id suscipit sequi.

Delectus voluptatem et voluptatem aliquid numquam aperiam. Molestiae aliquam itaque rerum. Aperiam assumenda sed ut eum esse libero. Illo illo mollitia voluptates vel perferendis commodi corporis voluptas. Voluptas ut vitae consectetur quisquam pariatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
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...”