If a job interview ask for 20 references, would you provide? (companies, interest)

[manderly6]

If I was unemployed and desperate? Yes. Otherwise no way I am giving 20 references. Less about the hassle for myself and more about what it says about the company.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

Something is not right here. Could it be they're going to try and sell something to these references?

Because you saying they're selling products, it sounds like they may try and do a sales pitch to your references.

To me that's as obvious as the nose on my face!

Originally Posted by yee8p

not sure it's marketing. they specifically say they'd like cell phone numbers - telemarketing is very old...

It's absolutely not!!!!

If anyone asked me to be a reference for them and let slip that the prospective employer wanted 20 such references I wouldn't consider it for a moment.

[raveabouttoast]

Originally Posted by rdflk

Even then. I think 15-20 is insane. That sounds more like a background check to me.

Background checks only need about 5 or so references. 15-20 is crazy. I probably would have started laughing if they asked me to provide that many.

[joe from dayton]

You don't need 20 references to be in the FBI or protect the Pres. of the US, so why would you need that many to sell a product? They want the info for their own purpose, which has nothing to do with a background check.

[AV8n]

Any more than 5 references and it's either a scam or the company doesn't have their crap together. They don't need to talk to 20 people in order to get to know you better - they need to be asking YOU better questions.

If they did actually hire you, your time with them would likely be full of other such stupid demands.

Run.

[nifear]

Agree with most of the above.. sounds like a scam and they want to build up a calling list using info you'd provide them. Just say no.

[Ted Bear]

SCAM

(Just for giggles I would talk with someone who works there--after you decline to continue the interview process because you don't feel comfortable with their protocol--and find out 'what's with the 20 reference thing'?)

[Tekkie]

3-5 is standard IMO.

15-20 is a little on the ridiculous side.

[plmokn]

Top Secret security clearances don't even ask for half that many. Something is unusual.

Still, I would try to provide those references if I wanted the job (which I assume the original poster does).

[mcq]

20 references? NO! Hopefully they just got their messages mixed there. That can't be serious on their part.