Reference Checks

Hey guys,

Quick question, I am in the process with a few HF and PE firms (Current IBD analyst) and my fear is that the fund im interviewing with will call around and ask people about my performance ( I have nothing to worry about on that front)... But my fear is that people will get the hint that I could potentially leave early and it may actually hurt me if I dont join "X" fund? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Also, do all firms check references at the junior level? I have them, but I dont think they know that Im looking at immediate start options in addition to summer opps and obv afraid it could hurt me. How does this work?

9 Comments
 

Of course I would, given the opportunity. One of my buddies had a similar situation and was not alerted that they were reaching out to random people they knew at the firm and it hurt him more than help him (Was confronted by a Director in his group)

I have 3 references, 1 from my current bank, 1 from the HF I interned with, and the other a teammate/guy i volunteered with/started a club with. Does this make sense or should they all be from my current bank?

 
theworks9Of course I would, given the opportunity. One of my buddies had a similar situation and was not alerted that they were reaching out to random people they knew at the firm and it hurt him more than help him (Was confronted by a Director in his group)

I have 3 references, 1 from my current bank, 1 from the HF I interned with, and the other a teammate/guy i volunteered with/started a club with. Does this make sense or should they all be from my current bank?

Same question for me. His references look similar to mine.
Array
 
Best Response

Just be honest and upfront with whomever the recruitment point person is about your concerns. PE firms are sensitive to this because it is an issue for many candidates.

I hired an associate this year who had the same concern so I did reference checks after he accepted the offer. Just keep in mind that until the guy accepts the offer and all reference checks clear, I have to keep the 2nd and 3rd best candidates sitting around waiting to hear back whether they are getting an offer or not. I hate doing that so very much appreciate a candidate working with me to get reference checks done quickly as well as accepting/rejecting an offer quickly.

 

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