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Do Malaysian companies actually call your references? (genuine question)

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 Kamil

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 Hamzah

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 Foo

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.

Do Malaysian companies actually call your references? (genuine question)

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