How to Check Job References

When hiring a candidate for a job, using your instinct isn't enough. Verifying a prospective employee's background and work experience is crucial to knowing whether he's right for the position. Knowing how to check a candidate's job references will provide you with wealth of information.

Instructions

1. Standardize reference checks so that you are obtaining the same information about every candidate. Have that set of questions in front of you when you make a call. At the very least you should verify the facts of a prospective employee's previous work including dates of employment and job titles.

2. Call job references when both you and the reference have the time and freedom to discuss a candidate. Block out a generous amount of time to talk. It's better to have more than not enough. If you can't reach a reference initially, call her back instead of leaving a detailed message. It will ensure both the candidate's and the references' privacy. If you must leave a message, be as general as possible, giving your name and a number at which to return your call.

3. Make note of with whom you are speaking and their association with your candidate. This will vary depending on the company's reference policy. A person who has worked with your candidate in a supervisory position can provide a more in-depth profile than Human Resources personnel.

4. Identify yourself, your company and the purpose of your call. Explain a little bit about the vacant position and ask whether he feels the candidate's qualifications fit the job, allowing him to elaborate as he sees fit. Interrupting or redirecting the conversation when a reference is still speaking can limit the amount of substantive information you receive.

5. Ask for specifics about the candidate's work responsibilities and how he fulfilled those responsibilities. Clarify any vague statements, making sure to summarize what it is you think has been said. Using a summary statement may make it easier for a reference to overcome any hesitation she has in responding fully to further questions.

6. Thank the contact for his time and ask if you may contact him again if you have further questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure a candidate has given express permission to contact references prior to making any calls.

• Check only the job references of candidates seriously in the running for the position. It's a waste of your time to check references that you won't use.