Reference checks

12 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistNovember 22,2023 at 4:56AM UTC

   I'm kind of surprised to hear that many of the applications you're filling out require references. The last three companies I've worked for haven't checked references. Typically, companies do employment verifications these days.

   Even when we were checking references, until a company wants to make you an offer, personally I feel your references are none of their business.

   Does your partner know you're looking for a job? If so, if it comes to it, you can ask them to be a reference. Do you have any previous jobs you could have a reference from? Or someone from where you may have volunteered?

   In these times of rampant identity theft, I would be very cautious about sharing your references and their contact information. Especially with a company you're not far into the interview process with. So beware of scams trying to get that info.

2. AnonymousNovember 22,2023 at 5:47AM UTC

   Thank you so much. This was very helpful!

3. AnonymousNovember 22,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   I don't like references in general. I think they are a waste of time. I'm currently working at a place that asked for 2 references-I asked them to just do a background check on me but they wouldn't. The guy who is sort of in charge brought in his daughter to work, no references needed so I feel like my time and my references time was wasted.

4. AnonymousNovember 22,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

   I completely agree. I work with medical staff. I have to obtain references. Everyone, even them, only provide references who will speak well of them. It’s a waste of time tracking down because physicians are notorious for not responding to references. Even they know it’s a waste of time.

5. AnonymousNovember 22,2023 at 5:14PM UTC

   Co-workers are fine as references. I think they are being requested less often because people change jobs so much, by choice or by necessity. I can't remember most of the names of the people I worked with 10 years ago.

6. KatNovember 22,2023 at 5:55PM UTC

   Actually, some people don't get the concept. I know someone that used their old boss as a reference even though they'd been fired for doing shady stuff. I had a former student use my department as a reference (without asking) but all we could provide was employment dates.

7. Ruth SathreNovember 23,2023 at 2:02PM UTC

   Since you are a recent graduate, 1 and maybe 2 of your college instructors in your field can be references if they agree. Perhaps you did a specific project for someone.

8. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 23,2023 at 4:57PM UTC

   References can be anyone you have a professional (for professional reference) or personal relationship (for character reference). As a new graduate, did you do an internship? A supervisor there could be a good reference. What about your co-owner/partner? If you have a client that you have a good professional relationship with, that could also work, as they know your work ethic and ability to meet a client's needs.

9. G C HesseNovember 25,2023 at 1:19PM UTC

   Don't sweat it.

   References only answer professional questions only.

10. AnonymousNovember 25,2023 at 5:27PM UTC

    In the space they provide for that write

    "References will be provided upon mutual interest at time of offer"

11. AnonymousNovember 25,2023 at 8:22PM UTC

    I agree with previous responses. Exercise caution in sharing others' contact information so early in the process. From my past experiences as a job seeker and a recruiter, reference checks usually occur when an offer is imminent. But, some types of organizations, public schools via Schoolspring, for instance, request references from applicants.

    The advice about who can be considered a reference is spot-on. Former supervisors of paid or unpaid work - jobs, internships or volunteer positions, your business partner and former coworkers could provide references. If character references are acceptable, you could ask a former teacher or professor.

    It is courteous to communicate with your references when they might be contacted by a potential employer. It can be helpful to provide them with anything you know about who might email or call them (email address, name of person, phone number), the job title you are vying for and what skills, qualities and experiences you emphasized during your interview(s) so that they can more easily endorse your candidacy.

    Best of luck!

12. Liz MilneNovember 26,2023 at 1:46AM UTC

    I just put in something like: 'self employed since [year]' and that's never been a problem so far.