Do PE firms do reference checks for on-cycle?

Wondering whether reference checks (PE firm emails / calls people you've worked with at previous jobs / internships) are conducted before offers are extended. Would appreciate any insights into this, specifically for MF PE. Thank you.

Edit: meant to specify that I was referring to previous internships (e.g. sophomore internship at MM/UMM/MF PE shop) on your resume - given how accelerated on-cycle timelines are, would they call anyone at places you interned if that firm happens to be on a similar level? Thanks everyone!

11 Comments
 

If you are at a top group yes, but it’s not like you give them a list of official people the call. Much more informal, you speak of a project you work on - senior guys might ask you if you know X or Y MD. Whoever yo confirm yes you know, they call them up on the phone for a quick sense check to make sure you aren’t a dud in between rounds.

 

They definitely do, typically concurrently while you interview. They won’t even ask, just call their contact at your bank to get connected to your group, or go directly to your MDs / Directors or VPs. Wasn’t even aware it was happening until after.

 

Very helpful - just updated my post, but do you know if they called anyone at the other firms listed on your resume (besides your bank)?

 

Anyone have any experience with how long reference checks can take before official offer is communicated (off-cycle)?

 

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