Page 1 of 1

The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 11:33 am
by 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?

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 12:00 pm
by 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.

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 12:02 pm
by 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.

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:32 pm
by 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?

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:06 pm
by clockpen
Cavalier wrote: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?

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:08 pm
by bceagles182
Anonymous User wrote: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?

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:09 pm
by BriaTharen
bceagles182 wrote:
Anonymous User wrote: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?

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:45 pm
by Cavalier
Anonymous User wrote: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.
clockpen wrote:
Cavalier wrote: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.

Re: The role of references

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:55 pm
by 09042014
bceagles182 wrote:
Anonymous User wrote: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!