Have you been asked during a job interview to provide a reference from your present employer?

4 Comments

1. KatSeptember 11,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

   Usually references aren't checked until you're at the offer stage, but some companies like to have them before the interview. Your reference doesn't have to be your direct supervisor. It can be anyone in the company (co-worker, someone in a different department, supervisor of a past project, etc.) that knows your work and will provide a good reference. Make sure it's someone that you trust not to tell others you're looking. Give them a heads up that they might be getting a call.

2. AnonymousSeptember 14,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

   That is ridiculous. I have never been asked about my current company giving a reference because any decent company understands you must protect your current job until you have signed their offer letter.

3. AnonymousSeptember 15,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

   Would it be possible to give a client or someone outside the company with whom you have direct contact? State that your current company does not know you are interviewing and that you prefer not to create ill will there.

4. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 8:12PM UTC

   I have only been asked once last Fall when I applied to a position and even after informing them my current employer was unaware they still wanted a manager reference from my current employment. Told then that if I didn't get the job then that could put me in hot water and they said "oh don't worry, by that point if we are asking for a reference then it's usually "good to go"".... needless to say I didn't give a reference. I can see if you have someone you trust but asking for your manager's contact when they are unaware is like setting off a bomb!