I don’t like putting down personal references before an interview yet I keep getting asked.

12 Comments

1. Patty OsbornJuly 26,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

   I, personally, left off references from my resume. If asked before interview, I would decline and clarify that I want to hear more about the job before deciding which references would be beneficial to provide to them.

2. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 6:05PM UTC

   I agree completely with this. Usually they wouldn't ask me for references until I was offered the job and accepted.

3. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 6:12PM UTC

   I have high profile references with their personal cell numbers. I learned a while back that many executives wanted to speak with my references so they could make that contact and brag that they just spoke with so and so..... so lame.

   So unless I have a very strong desire to close the deal, I just say I'd be happy to provide those references when we get to the offer stage.

4. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 6:21PM UTC

   I agree. Unless there is some extenuating circumstance, they may be provided at a later date. Especially in today's environment, where 2-4 interviews seem to be standard practice for some.

5. Billy ArmstrongJuly 26,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

   It is okay not to send references befor interviewing. You should remember, that you want to understand whether you want to work with this person/company or not too. Mostly, if references are still asking, there would be some problems with that workgiver in future, so I highly recommend you to pay attention on it.

6. Looking for a changeJuly 26,2022 at 9:13PM UTC

   I also don't want to have my references get too many calls then they're not going to want to be my reference in the future. Especially the ones that used to be my boss

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 26,2022 at 11:42PM UTC

   I would never provide references before interviewing for a position. And I have ended an application when they were required.

   Your references are doing you a favor by consenting to be a reference. In this day and age of rampant identity theft, I don't think its cool to be giving out people's personal contact info without a really good reason. Unless a company wants to make you an offer, your references are none of their business. This opinion is formed based on my experiences as both a recruiter and a candidate.

8. Debra SesholtzJuly 27,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

   I’ve never heard of asking for references prior to an interview. In my experience, most companies don’t even ask for references anymore or if they ask for them, they don’t contact them. I would not provide your references until you are certain you want the role and you have an offer. Respectfully decline saying you’d like to first make sure you are a fit for the role before you provide the personal contact info of your references. You could also include something about being respectful of your references and their time, only providing their contact info once the interview process has progressed and both you and the company have agreed you are the right candidate for the role.

9. AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

   Those online canned HR management systems often have references as a required field. I have never applied for a job (education) in which I didn't have to submit contact information for 3 references as part of the application up-front.

10. Alexis SchraderJuly 28,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    I always heard most places don’t actually contact references, but my references have told me they’ve been contacted, and I have had to contact references in the past as part of the hiring process. So I wouldn’t assume anything.

11. AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

    It's standard operating procedure in a lot of fields.
    Not being willing to follow procedures in the interview would be a red flag that you will be difficult to manage in the workplace. I know that I would be disinclined to hire someone who refused to comply with a standard request.

    References are almost never contacted until after the interview, and only for the top few candidates.

12. GirlBossanova934974July 28,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

    I would simply say I would like to see if I made it to "the final cut" of candidates before you provided references. That way, you are showing some desire to compromise while at the same time you are showing you expect something for the information you are giving. Quid Pro Quo. My time is valuable. My personal brand is valuable.