Question about references

LouRN09

Hi all! I had a really great interview yesterday and was basically told to expect a follow up call for a 2nd interview next week. He told me to go ahead and have my references ready for this interview. He mentioned that usually references are contacted when there is basically an offer on the table. I have a few people I can list as references, but THE BEST ones are those whom I currently work with, including my manager. However, the way gossip and drama spreads around there, I dont feel comfortable confiding in any of them when asking if I can list them. I would, however, like to list my manager. Is there a proper way to list her info, but then somehow ask that she not be contacted until a potential offer has been provided? I would like to give her a heads up as well that she may be contacted (as long as I know that I will be getting an offer). I hope that makes sense? I will be able to list a manager from a previous job, but that was 5 years ago.

Also, just to add, we already disussed benefits, hours, dress code, and pay, so I am pretty confident that if I get an offer then I will accept it.

Thanks ladies!

Fianschneid

I would let the person you're interviewing with know that you are seeking a new position confidentially and would prefer that s/he contact all of your other references first. Let her/him know that you do have references at your current place of employment that think highly of you but that they should only be contact in the event of a serious offer.

LouRN09

So you think it is best to list this person on my list, but then in my 2nd interiew further explain who she is, etc. etc? Is there anything specific you would include on my actual list of references regarding my manager and contacting her?

LoCarb

LouRN09:

So you think it is best to list this person on my list, but then in my 2nd interiew further explain who she is, etc. etc? Is there anything specific you would include on my actual list of references regarding my manager and contacting her?

IMO, don't list the mgr. You only list references after you have asked the person if it's ok and you're confident they will give you a glowing reference. Explain to the hiring mgr. you have not discussed leaving your current position w/ your mgr and use ppl from other employers. Some employers are not allowed to be references and are only allowed to give dates of employment. You can mention that as well. If there is a co-worker you feel comfortable discussing other job possibilities with perhaps you him/her.