The role of references Forum

[anonymousee]

What is the role of references in the selection process? Do firms which ask for them call up your referees? What do they ask them? Are they trying to find out more about the kind of person you are or are they looking to verify your credentials?

[Cavalier]

Very few firms call references. The only two I can think of that do are Cleary and Covington (both DC). They probably just ask the usual basic questions--this isn't a security clearance check or anything.

[BriaTharen]

Only two of the firms I interviewed with actually used my references, and both of the firms had personal connections to my references. I used to work for one of the first firm's clients, and the professor I RA for used to work at the other one.

[Anonymous User]

So I have two good references that I can list, but I know in general the norm is three (presumably for law hiring as well). I assume at the callback stage most firms at least ask for a list of references? If so, will they think I'm an idiot for handing them a list with only two references on it?

[clockpen]

Very few firms call references. The only two I can think of that do are Cleary and Covington (both DC). They probably just ask the usual basic questions--this isn't a security clearance check or anything.

Could you elaborate on what the usual basic questions are?

[bceagles182]

So I have two good references that I can list, but I know in general the norm is three (presumably for law hiring as well). I assume at the callback stage most firms at least ask for a list of references? If so, will they think I'm an idiot for handing them a list with only two references on it?

You only have two references? Do you never go to office hours?

[BriaTharen]

So I have two good references that I can list, but I know in general the norm is three (presumably for law hiring as well). I assume at the callback stage most firms at least ask for a list of references? If so, will they think I'm an idiot for handing them a list with only two references on it?

You only have two references? Do you never go to office hours?

[Cavalier]

So I have two good references that I can list, but I know in general the norm is three (presumably for law hiring as well). I assume at the callback stage most firms at least ask for a list of references? If so, will they think I'm an idiot for handing them a list with only two references on it?

You should absolutely give three; giving two will look dumb. I'm sure you can find someone at a previous place of employment, or even a professor who ksimply nows you, who you can list as a reference. They don't need to be a good reference for your purposes (unlike, say, clerkship hiring); you just need to find someone.

Very few firms call references. The only two I can think of that do are Cleary and Covington (both DC). They probably just ask the usual basic questions--this isn't a security clearance check or anything.

Could you elaborate on what the usual basic questions are?

How the reference knows you, the quality of the work you did for them (if a previous employer), whether you posed any problems, etc. These are generally quick phone calls. Employers aren't looking for an in-depth analysis of your strengths and weaknesses; they simply want to ensure that there are a few people who can attest that you're competent.

[09042014]

So I have two good references that I can list, but I know in general the norm is three (presumably for law hiring as well). I assume at the callback stage most firms at least ask for a list of references? If so, will they think I'm an idiot for handing them a list with only two references on it?

You only have two references? Do you never go to office hours?

Achievement unlocked- never went to office hours!