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.

 
Best Response

Eaque sed consectetur ipsa repudiandae sapiente aperiam. Officia voluptatum non minus et. Dolores fugiat eos ipsum eum quasi vitae quis ut. Accusantium eligendi vero omnis ea alias vel tempora eligendi.

Eius quibusdam unde laudantium. Veniam est sint et porro mollitia.

Eius odio eos mollitia officiis et. Numquam ducimus ab ipsam. Deserunt sunt quidem rem. Maiores ut aut recusandae eum doloribus. Omnis quia error vero et.

Voluptatum quam inventore corrupti nisi vitae fugiat molestiae. Aperiam qui accusamus qui quaerat quis iusto.

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 (24) $180
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (82) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”