References before interview or after

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Live-in nanny here. I don't always meet a family before starting the trial period, so this may not apply to you. When I apply, I state that I have a resume and background check which I am happy to supply after an initial phone interview. When the family knows that I am on of their final candidates, and I know enough about the family to want the position, then I offer my reference list. Between personal references, former NFs and volunteering, I have aout 15 references, and they're sorted into 3 reference lists, based on the ages of the children and job responsibilities. There's no reason for a NF with elementary age kids to call the NF who had twin infants/toddlers, as the ages and multiples don't match.

I can't imagine not meeting a family before starting a trial period. Never even heard of that.

I move across the country, and I do as many skype interviews as necessary to feel comfortable with the family. As I said, it's not for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never ever give my references until I have met the prospective employer and know I would accept the job if offered. Otherwise you burn out your references with calls from people you would never work for.

Agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After, and only when you're a finalist for the job and you know it's a position you want.

Do not burn out your goodwill with references - they should only be called after you have had at least one interview.

This is completely reasonable and any potential employer who wants to talk with your references before even meeting you doesn't know what they are doing as an employer (and has never been a reference either.) I'd take that as a possible red flag.

- MB

This is 100% right. Former employers don’t want to waste their time on random people who you haven’t vetted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After, and only when you're a finalist for the job and you know it's a position you want.

Do not burn out your goodwill with references - they should only be called after you have had at least one interview.

This is completely reasonable and any potential employer who wants to talk with your references before even meeting you doesn't know what they are doing as an employer (and has never been a reference either.) I'd take that as a possible red flag.

- MB

This is important. Do NOT give out references until you know it’s a good match.