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Reference Checking

Reference checks help you make the best selection decisions. 

No matter how impressive the candidate, checking references is highly advisable to ensure the information provided is factually correct.

Ask your candidate for references who have observed their performance and can comment with authority on their capabilities. Call ahead to make an appointment - let the person know the reference check will take 15-20 minutes, and give them an idea of the types of questions that will be asked.

Some employers will provide only the bare facts about former/current employees.  Break through the barriers by:

• Being confident in your approach.
• Beginning the call with questions about factual aspects of the candidate's employment status and/or application for employment.
• Stressing that you need the information to give the candidate fair consideration.
• Indicating the reference check is one of various factors used to make selection decisions.
• Focusing on the candidate's past behaviour.

If you are concerned about the responses, (e.g., evasiveness, overly negative or positive comments), note this. If a pattern of "minimum disclosure" emerges, you may need to return to the candidate for names of additional references or further discussion.

Learn how! Use the emerit HR Toolkit Reference Check Guide.