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.

6 Comments

1. Mare LevineAugust 15,2024 at 2:25AM UTC

   References are a Catch-22: you need to have them looking impressive, but you're really hoping they don't get used. A casual look on Google revealed that whether or not your references get checked has a lot to do with the industry, the seniority level of the job you're applying for, and even where your job is located.

   I use my best references for every job I want. I also try to give work emails rather than phone numbers for senior leadership. They often have help in the form of an executive assistant to sift through mail, so it's not as intrusive.

   I also am dubious on this high percentage of the time companies claim they do reference checks--like 85-95%. I once tracked over 100 job applications, and my references only reported receiving 5 (yes, 5!!) inquiries.

2. AnonymousAugust 15,2024 at 2:05PM UTC

   Great ideas and when possible, I'll default to email addresses. That's startling to hear about only 5% and I wonder why they request if they aren't going to bother contacting them? I make sure to let my references know they might be contacted and hate having to bother them for applications. I started letting them know that I'll add their email addresses and make them aware if I'm contacted for later round interviews / offer stages.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 15,2024 at 2:37AM UTC

   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.

4. AnonymousAugust 15,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

   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.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 15,2024 at 11:21PM UTC

   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.

6. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

   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...