Question about list of references for interview

So my big second interview is coming up and I need advice. They asked for a list of references, minimum three people. The position is working for the federal government in the education field. Keep in mind, I really can't ask any of my current partners because they have no idea I've been looking elsewhere. Also, in the first interview, a large portion of the questioning revolved around my ability to relate and work with "non-attorneys". Apparently, in the position, I would be working with a team of 4 people - 2 attorneys, 2 investigators, and they've had problems in the past with attorneys acting superior to the investigators. So I need someone who can speak to my ability to work well with non-attorneys. These are the people whom I can list - who do you think I should use?

(1) Former manager when I worked in HR at a big insurance company in their leadership development program, before I went to law school

(2) Attorney at the U.S. attorney's office in Philly who I worked for during one semester, who absolutely loved me

(3) Attorney who worked at my firm, but left to start his own practice a year ago, who mentored me when I used to do a lot of work for the fraternal order of police, and conducted internal affair interviews with internal affair "investigators" (non-attorneys)

(4) Paralegal I used to work with who left the firm and opened her own business. She and I get along phenomenally and she's asked me on numerous occasions to just quit and work with her

(5) Senior level associate who still works with my current firm who knows my situation and won't tell anyone

(6) Professor in law school for whom I was a teaching assistant for 2 years

Well? Any ideas?

Message edited 1/25/2007 10:27:57 PM.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Minimum 3 people?

I'd put all 6! Just put them in the order that you'd want them to be contacted in.

GOOD LUCK

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Posted by KateDevine

Minimum 3 people?

I'd put all 6! Just put them in the order that you'd want them to be contacted in.

GOOD LUCK

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I don't know, don't you think it's overdoing it by listing 6 people?

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Posted by steph4777

Posted by KateDevine

Minimum 3 people?

I'd put all 6! Just put them in the order that you'd want them to be contacted in.

GOOD LUCK

I agree

Good Luck!!!

Re: Question about list of references for interview

list them all- just in case they can't get one or more of them on phone right away- they can call someone else!

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Posted by KateDevine

Posted by Bxgell2

I don't know, don't you think it's overdoing it by listing 6 people?

No. Actually, since a PP mentioned that it would show a different aspect of your work "self" it can only help you.

And since they said MINIMUM 3, I would think they may expect 4 or 5. It isn't like you are listing 27 people on there.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Okee dokee. I totally didn't think of doing that, but I guess I will. So, the next question is, should I explain what each reference is, like, former manager at CIGNA, or should I just list their names, address and phone numbers?

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I would list all of them except for #4.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Message edited 1/2/2007 1:46:52 PM.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Message edited 1/2/2007 1:46:45 PM.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I'd definitely include #3 and 5, and probably #2 and 6. Even though the job involves working with non-attorneys , I'd assume they're more interested in how you've developed as an attorney and what your work product is like. I also think, if possible, it's better to have references who have worked with you recently rather than before law school.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I think they are all applicable in a different way.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I think it is a nice list, but I wouldn't list them in the order you would like them to be contacted. Sometimes places expect that an intentionally make sure they call the last person or middle person on the list. I would mix them up.

Re: Question about list of references for interview

All but #5 (the one at your current firm). If they really need someone at your current firm, they'll ask again.

good luck!

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I also would put all 6 but if you only want to put 3 then I would put 1,3 and 6

Re: Question about list of references for interview

Posted by KateDevine

Minimum 3 people?

I'd put all 6! Just put them in the order that you'd want them to be contacted in.

GOOD LUCK

Re: Question about list of references for interview

I'd say since they're requesting a minimum of three that it is more than appropriate to list 5 or 6.

ETA: Oh and GOOD LUCK!!!

Message edited 1/2/2007 4:39:29 PM.