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Morgan Stanley Reference Checks

Hey everyone, I have a question about reference checks at Morgan Stanley. At what stage in the hiring process do they typically conduct them? Do they check all references listed, or just a select few? Also, how much weight do these checks carry in the final decision? Would love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process!

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Top answer
Simon
Coach
on Feb 24, 2025
Mastering Deals and Strategy | Seasoned coach

Hi,

From what I’ve heard, Morgan Stanley usually conducts reference checks pretty late in the hiring process – typically after the final round of interviews and once they’re seriously considering making you an offer. It’s basically one of the last steps before everything’s finalized.

They don’t always check every reference you list. It depends on the role and the hiring manager, but they usually focus on the most relevant ones, like your most recent manager or someone who can speak directly to the skills needed for the job. If anything seems unclear or they want to dig deeper, they might reach out to more people, but that’s not super common.

As for how much weight they carry, reference checks are generally more about verifying what you’ve already told them – your experience, skills, and how you work with others. They’re not usually a make-or-break factor unless something surprising or negative comes up. If your interviews went well and your references back up your story, you should be in good shape.

Good luck with the process!

Simon

on Feb 24, 2025

Hey, here's my take based on my own experience:

When?
Reference checks typically happen at the end—after interviews, usually just before or right after a verbal offer.

Who?
They usually call only the most relevant references, not everyone you list.

How Important?
They mainly serve as a final check to confirm what you’ve already said. A major red flag can be a problem, but otherwise, they rarely change a solid offer.

Hope this helps!

4
PrepLounge
on Feb 26, 2025

Reference checks at Morgan Stanley typically happen towards the final stages of the hiring process, usually after interviews but before an offer is extended. They tend to check a select few references, often those who can speak to your work performance and character. While reference checks are important, they usually carry less weight than interviews or assessments, but a negative reference could still impact the decision.

For more specific insights, I recommend reaching out to Coach Alessandro and Coach Manos, who have experience at Morgan Stanley and can provide detailed guidance:

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