I had a final interview with a small startup yesterday and now they are requesting a manager reference. I would rather not do that until I have an offer that I've accepted. What is standard practice here (if there is one) and is this itself part of the negotiation process? I think I will just tell the recruiter that I am not comfortable giving the reference out since I don't want my reference bothered.

When to Provide References (before or after offer)?

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Anonymous User

I haven't seen this as part of the negotiation process, generally it's just a one-time logistical issue. 

I'd be ok with providing the name/relationship/contact of the reference, but clarify in a tactful way that you don't want your reference contacted until you have secured an offer (that's the norm anyway). Few other options: 

- Provide the reference, but not their contact info.
- Provide a "backup" reference where it wouldn't be a big deal if they were contacted prematurely.

At the end of the day, this is an issue of trust. Presumably, if you actually may work at this company, you hopefully have enough trust with them.

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Rahul Pandey

Thanks Rahul.

> clarify in a tactful way that you don't want your reference contacted until you have secured an offer (that's the norm anyway).

Secured an offer or secured + accepted the offer (after all negotiation)?

@OP, generally it's after you've secured the offer, or perhaps before (for very senior positions).

Basically, it's a way for the company to validate the claims you've made on your resume, so it's done near the end of the hiring process, but not when it's all finalized.

Tech has one of the highest rates of job switching, making this skill incredibly high-leverage and vital to master. Understand what it takes to convince companies you are strongly competent.

When to Provide References (before or after offer)?

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