Interview Tips

Be honest — do Malaysian companies actually call your references?

by Farah Nabilah·March 3, 2026

Put down two references on my last job application. Both told me no one ever called them, even though I got the job.

Wondering if this is just Malaysian corporate culture — references are a formality that no one actually checks — or if certain companies/industries do take them seriously.

Anyone work in HR or hiring who can give a real answer? And if they do call, what are they actually asking?

#references#hiring#HR#job-application

Comments (3)

Aishah Kamil103

HR here (not saying where). Honest answer: most Malaysian companies don't call references unless it's a senior hire or a regulated industry like finance or legal. It's mostly box-ticking.

Rizal Hamzah61

MNCs tend to be more rigorous about this, especially if the role involves financial or data access. I've had my references called twice in 10 years — both times at MNCs, never at local companies.

Celine Foo49

Best practice regardless: always brief your references on what role you applied for. Even if no one calls, it shows professionalism. And if someone does call, you want them prepared.