Can I Give Two References From The Same Company?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can I give two references from the same company? Giammatteo suggests using the same reference

no more than three times

. “It's a time commitment, and you don't want to disrespect your former coworker's time by putting that person in a position where that colleague resents talking about your skill set,” he says.

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Can I give 2 references?


The preferred approach is for you to suggest one or two references most relevant for the job you've applied to

. If the employer asks for more names, or makes a specific request – such as wanting to speak to your most recent boss – you can respond accordingly.

Is two references enough for a job?


Three is the minimum number of references to include on your job application

. The employer may be able to form a thorough impression of you as a candidate after listening to diverse perspectives. However, the number of references required may depend on the role and the company.

Can you have two references on a resume?


Traditionally, you should provide at least two references on your CV

. The first one should be your current or former employer, and the second can be someone who knows you well in a professional or academic setting.

Do employers check all 3 references?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two.

Occasionally the final three or four

. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that's inconsiderate of the reference.

Who should your two references be?

While you might want to ask your parents or your best friend, your first port of call for references should always be

, preferably your last one

. If you've got several previous employers to choose from, pick one that's in a similar sector to the one you're applying for.

Do jobs actually call references?

Do employers always check references? Essentially, yes. While it's true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening,

most do

. If you're about to begin a job search, you should expect to have your references checked.

Do you have to provide 3 references?

Potential employers want to verify previous work experience, skills, and credentials of applicants before making job offers. Part of the way they do this is to

ask for three references who are familiar with applicants' work and abilities.

How many references are too many for a job?

A neutral reference is a poor reference.

Most employers ask applicants for

two to three

professional (non-family) references and will be wary of candidates who are unable to find three individuals willing to vouch for their skills and character.

Who should you never use as a reference?

1.

A former boss you didn't get along with

. This might seem obvious, but if someone won't sing your praises or have negative things to say about you and your work ethic, they are not worth putting on the reference list.

What happens if you dont have 3 references?

If you don't have any references for a job application,

you can still apply and secure your desired position

. Without professional references, you can find alternative contacts who can give positive feedback about you to a potential employer.

What if you can't use your boss as a reference?


Director/Senior Director may suffice depending on your organization and working relationship

. And it should include someone with whom you have worked closely, someone who knows your work. Provide at least two of these reference types from your current/most recent company and at least one from a second employer.

How many references does an employer usually want?

How many references do you need? Typically you should have

at least three

references who you're comfortable offering up. If you're early in your career and have only had one or two jobs, employers will generally understand if you only have one or two references from managers.

Can I ask my current employer for a reference?


If you're employed but you're looking for a new job, you might want to consider asking your current employer for a reference

. Your current employer can attest to your most recent skills and responsibilities. As a result, hiring managers will have a much easier time validating the information on your resume.

Can I use current coworkers as references?

Even before you start the job interview process,

you should develop a mental list of past and current colleagues who could serve as references for you

so that once you're asked to provide them, you're ready. Ideally, your list should include a mixture of former and current bosses, coworkers, and subordinates.

Can you get rejected after reference check?


It is possible to get rejected after a reference check

.

In fact, some sources say that candidates get rejected about 10 – 20% of the time after a reference check. Most often, a candidate will be rejected due to providing fake references that are discovered when they're vetted.

Do employers check references if they aren't going to hire you?

Do employers check references if they aren't going to hire you?

An employer may not know whether they are or will not hire the job applicant at this stage of the interview process

. Checking references happens after the interviews have been conducted and before a job offer has been made.

Can a previous employer disclose why you left?

Employers are not prohibited by law from disclosing to a potential employer – who calls for a reference about a former employee – the reasons that the employee left, as long as the information they share is truthful.

What do I do if I don't have 2 references?

References don't necessarily come from a previous employer. You can also

seek out an academic contact or close character reference outside of a professional setting

. This can be a teacher with whom you shared a good relationship or a sports coach.

Can you use someone as a reference without asking?


Use someone as a reference without asking

Don't just assume a teacher or former supervisor will give you a reference! Always ask for permission first and ask far enough in advance so they have enough time to make a decision.

Can you put down a friend as a reference?


Personal references are commonly provided by teachers, lecturers, group or club leaders, neighbours, friends and family members

. Those providing the reference should know you well and be able to give examples that back up statements about your character.

How do you find out what previous employer is saying about you?


Call the human resources department and tell the representative when you worked there

. Ask about the process for obtaining a copy of your file and then ask what is the company's practice for providing references and whether you're eligible for rehire.

Why do companies refuse to give references?

References developed as a tradition that companies would give, almost as a benefit, to their ex-employees.

Many companies have decided that they get no direct benefit, they take on risk of lawsuit, and it costs them money – so it's just not worth it

.

What to say when you don't want to give a reference?

“Say something like, ‘

Listen, I'm not the right person,' or ‘I'm not the right fit for this, but good luck,'

” says Speyer, who has faced this conundrum several times. “Don't give a laundry list of reasons why you can't do it.

How many reference should I provide?

Typical job seekers should have

three to four references, while those seeking more senior positions should consider listing five to seven

, experts suggest. And be sure to list your strongest reference first.

Do employers check references before or after an offer?

Employers will reach out to your references

prior to offering a job

– so generally near the end of the hiring process. However, doing a reference check does not imply you will be receiving an offer.

How far back can references go?

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I've worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “

not more than five to seven years

.”

Why do jobs call references after hiring?

Can I put family as a reference?

Aside from making you look infantile, your family can't give an objective view of the kind of things employers are interested in—namely your work history, work ethic, and your moral character, or how you'll behave as an employee—so

don't put them down as professional references

.

When asked to provide 2/4 professional references this means?

When asked to provide 2 – 4 professional references, this means:

My parents, siblings, or other family members

.

How many references are too many for a job?

Do you have to provide 3 references?

Potential employers want to verify previous work experience, skills, and credentials of applicants before making job offers. Part of the way they do this is to

ask for three references who are familiar with applicants' work and abilities.

How many references should I have for my first job?

Typical job seekers should have

three to four

references, while those seeking more senior positions should consider listing five to seven, experts suggest. And be sure to list your strongest reference first.

What happens if I only have one professional reference?

Don't feel obligated to get the “top” person at your job to refer you —

anyone who was senior to you and supervised you can serve as a reference

. Even if you only worked somewhere for a few weeks or months, if someone there will remember your name and be able to speak to your working skills, they're a fit.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.