How often do your references get contacted?

What up War Room,

I'm in the later stages interviewing with one company, so I've got a few more questions/posts than usual. Namely, are they actually going to use my references or is it all for show? My last company reached out to only one reference, didn't use the other two. I've had one company not use any references, didn't ask for them. Curious to hear what you all have experienced, especially lately.

Any stories, anecdotes, thoughts or feedback welcomed.

Did they contact your references?

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
🏹 War Room
🤝 Interviewing/Offer
16
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
8
☕️
100% depends on your seniority. I never checked AE references (or BDRs) because the risk is low. It is important for me to contact all manager+ references.
RandyLahey
Politicker
5
Account Executive
I've always found that exercise a bit silly for BDR/SDRs, like it's an entry level job.
oldcloser
Arsonist
2
💀
I just checked both of yours. You're clear to continue posting.
SaaSguy
Tycoon
5
Account Executive
I always have by references checked, even if a quick "do you know this dude and how"
ThatNewAE
Big Shot
0
Account Executive - Mid enterprise
The references I gave, they have all received calls too.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Did not get asked for references at my current job, but I came in after being recruited/recommended by a VP.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
GET. IT.
HVACexpert
Politicker
2
sales engineer
If the VP signs off you don’t need one.
jefe
Arsonist
4
🍁
Any time I've had references requested, they've been contacted. The worst is when it's done through a service. There are definitely times when I wasn't asked.
On the other hand, like @poweredbycaffeine , when I've hired AEs I didn't bother asking.
BTQ
Politicker
2
Account Manager
The sales job I got all references were checked.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Mine never get checked.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
In my current gig they never asked.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
If it was an employee referral, not really a reference check. It was organic or through a recruiter, they check all of them. This is just my experience though.
HVACexpert
Politicker
1
sales engineer
Yeah sometimes they are just looking for proof of employment which I’ve seen, but I have never really been asked for any.
fidelcashflow
Catalyst
0
Account Executive
Truly depends but in my experience, the norm is yes they contact your references. Most jobs have contacted all of them. I had one or two that contacted 2 out of the 3 I provided because they decided after 2 they heard enough. One job I had did not ask for references which was crazy given that they are one of the most known startups in the US.

Why are you curious?
Beans
Big Shot
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Usually they'll make at least one call unless you blow them away.
sellingsellssold
Politicker
0
SDR
Depends on the company I had one check and the other could care less.
pirate
Big Shot
0
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Never ever has anyone asked me
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
i depends on how crucial the hire is
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