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I have been working with a recruiter on landing a position which is literally across the country. I've finished a first phone interview, and the company is flying me out for an interview the end of next week. The recruiter has called me and asked for me to give him professional references and client references. Is this appropriate before an interview? Is it appropriate to go to the recruiter and not the potential employer? Part of me thinks the recruiter is fishing for more people he can recruit. I also think it's completely inappropriate to give client references because the competitor might try to steal business. Does this sound OK to others or are my alarm bells accurate?

Thanks for the help.

HMac's picture

Since the company has committed to flying you out, I'd go ahead and provide references.

Since the recruiter is the one who surfaced you, it's understandable that he's going to do a round of reference checks (he's responsible for you, after all - and if I were in his position I wouldn't want any surprises when/if the company does reference checks).

I can't comment on your suspicions about the recruiter's motives, or your suspicions about the company you're interviewing with (that they might try to steal business). Do you have any actual reasons for these suspicions? What you've laid out is common recruiting practice...

-Hugh

jhack's picture

Recruiters trusted by the companies that retain them often do the reference checks themselves. The company saves time and money, and takes the risk of outsourcing this critical task.

It's common.

John Hack