Interview Question (reference checks)

At what point in the interview process do firms typically begin checking references? I've always found that reference checks occur as a final step after a formal offer is presented (contingent on background check, reference check, etc).

Would it be appropriate to ask an interviewing firm not to contact references UNLESS there is a formal offer that has been mutually accepted?

I'm in the middle of interviews with three firms, all three are still in the mix, and I certainly don't want all three firms calling references.

6 Comments
 

Firms still do reference checks? I always thought only background checks to confirm employment. What's stopping someone from putting down their best friend to vouch for them as " tremendous hard working employee".

 

When the company contacts the references, they will be sure to feel them out on their background, relationship to the person getting hired, what that person does and why is he a good reference to use, etc.

Unless your friend is an amazing bullshitter and works in the same industry (ig. can talk RE "lingo"), I doubt they will believe he is a real reference.

 
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