(time sensitive, please help) When are references called?

I'm about to have a 6th round interview for a fund on Thursday and they asked for three references. Do they only call if they're going to give you the job unless your references are red flags? How does this work? Three is a lot since I've only been working >1y.

Also, any strategy for which references to give? I don't want to ask my partner because they'd be pissed if they found out I was bailing. I'm thinking to ask my manager, an old manager who just left for the same-ish job I'm interviewing for, and an old professor.

Thoughts?

3 Comments
 
Best Response

My experience is that potential employers only ask junior hires for references if they are planning on extending an offer (this excludes HH references). They know that if they are going to reach out to a current employer, they could blow you up. I should note that I've usually been asked to provide a reference AFTER a final round interview, as opposed to before.

I realize when someone's trying to hire you at a junior level, it can be easy to get pushed around a bit. Someone else may think differently here, but I don't think it's at all inappropriate to give them a list of names, but let them know that your current employer is not aware that you are recruiting, and you would prefer they not be contacted until things proceed.

I think your ideas for who to ask make sense. You don't want to indicate to your entire team that you are planning on leaving in the event it falls through (also be mindful about who is the decision maker for your performance comp).

 

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