Referencing a reference question and how to deal with lack of references since the pandemic and moving to higher roles. Early in my career, I had a long list of references that I could use per industry.
Since the pandemic and advancing in my career, I've found it difficult to have viable references. The first situation that I'm not confident they will respond to HR or recruiters in a timely manner.
I've reported to CEO, Presidents and SLT members and don't want to use them unless I know it's a confirmed offer. This is in terms of when employed and now when job searching. I'm finding during this search that applications are requiring 3-4 references and I'm conflicted regarding the best options.
Reviewing my reference list, some retired, left companies, are senior leaders, we unfortunately lost touch and others live abroad so I'm conflicted. How do you handle for applications, interviews and for final rounds?
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Anonymous
For applications put in the line
-Available upon mutual interest at time of offer.
In Interviews
-Same
For final rounds provide the best 3 that you have and then if they are not reachable have a second set in case...
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Are you in the US? What kind of positions are you applying for?
I'm surprised to hear this. I haven't checked references in years. We do employment verification. And when I did check references, we never asked for references as part of the application process.
Anonymous
I'm in the US and finding in some educational, marketing and media roles require 3-4 references at the end of the application. I don't mind providing references if they need to check them for employment or before an offer but my references' levels and locations are concerning. I don' t want senior leaders to be bothered for early rounds and also abroad but that's where the roles were located.
A former CEO was contacted before I even had an interview. It's an uncomfortable situation as while we had a good relationship, I respect his time. He's the type who even though he had an EA, did his own personal correspondence.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
You wrote: " I don't mind providing references if they need to check them for employment or before an offer but my references' levels and locations are concerning. I don' t want senior leaders to be bothered for early rounds and also abroad but that's where the roles were located."
I completely agree with you. If you want to make me an offer and need to check references, ok that's one thing.
But to check them at the beginning of the process? Personally, that's a hard no from me - especially when you're talking about senior level people such as your references.
I feel it's inapropriate and not best practices.