References before interview or after

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm currently looking for a position, and I was wondering should I give references and contact informations of previous families before an actual interview in person? I'm asking, because I had a couple of situations where the family calls me, then calls my references and then decide if they want an interview or not. What is the best thing to do?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Always after, IF you decide you're interested in that particular job. Otherwise your refs will burnout. Be careful about that.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much. I've thought about it, I'm worried about my references now. I was Au pair before and after that I've worked for another family and that's it, I don't know how this goes. I'm on care.com and everyone there is asking for references while we are talking on the phone (before an actual interview). Thanks again

[Anonymous]

So you need a line or two in response to those requests. Something like:

I am applying for several positions in my search for a full-time position, so to be respectful of my reference's time I don't give that information out until after I've had at least an initial interview. If after you meet me you think you would like to speak with my references I'll be happy to provide that information.

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

References should be backing up everything they think they've learned about you through interviewing you.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Your references most likely have young children as well as busy working hours. So you want to do everything in your power to not exhaust them.

I wouldn't give any references to a family I haven't met. And if the family has issues on this, then they can meet you in a public place or move on to find someone else.

[Anonymous]

Eliminate any parent who even requests your refs before meeting you. It's a CLEAR sign of TROUBLE ahead. No boundaries. Nanny beware.

[Anonymous]

I have my reference letters that don't give specific info, for pre interview and during interview. I only give out contact info if it's pretty much a done deal.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eliminate any parent who even requests your refs before meeting you. It's a CLEAR sign of TROUBLE ahead. No boundaries. Nanny beware.

+1 I know I have lost an interview/potential job or two because of my firm policy to not give out references until I am convinced I would accept the job if offered but I feel I dodged major bullets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eliminate any parent who even requests your refs before meeting you. It's a CLEAR sign of TROUBLE ahead. No boundaries. Nanny beware.

+1 I know I have lost an interview/potential job or two because of my firm policy to not give out references until I am convinced I would accept the job if offered but I feel I dodged major bullets.

+2

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.