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Sample Reference Check Questions Guide

The document provides a list of sample reference-check questions for evaluating a job candidate's previous employment. It includes questions about employment dates, job responsibilities, performance, and interpersonal skills. The document emphasizes taking notes during the call and concludes with a reminder to thank the reference for their time and honesty.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views2 pages

Sample Reference Check Questions Guide

The document provides a list of sample reference-check questions for evaluating a job candidate's previous employment. It includes questions about employment dates, job responsibilities, performance, and interpersonal skills. The document emphasizes taking notes during the call and concludes with a reminder to thank the reference for their time and honesty.

Uploaded by

solvetechltd
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Sample Reference-Check Questions

You do not need to use all of the following questions. Pick a few you feel comfortable
asking as your own and that will suffice. (I’ve highlighted in bold my personal favorites.)

Take notes while on the phone with the former employer so you can add this
information to the prospects folder.

 When did (candidate) work for your company? Could you confirm starting and
ending employment dates?
 What was his or her starting and ending salaries? (They may or may not be
willing to share this information.)
 What was (candidate’s) position?
 Can you describe his or her duties or responsibilities?
 Why did (candidate) leave the company?
 Did (candidate) miss a great deal of work? Was he or she frequently late?
 Were you aware of any issues that impacted his or her job performance?
 Did he or she get along well with management and co-workers? Was (candidate)
able to work as a team member?
 Did (candidate) have other employees under his or her supervision? How
effective was (candidate) at managing?
 If I spoke to those employees, how do you think they would describe
(candidate’s) management style?
 Was (candidate) promoted while with your company?
 How did (candidate) handle conflict, if it arose? How about pressure?
Stress?
The Hiring Academy™

 Did you evaluate (candidate’s) performance? Can you speak to his or her
strengths and weaknesses?
 What was (candidate’s) biggest accomplishment while working for your
company?
 When I asked the candidate what you would probably say about him or her, the
candidate said you would most likely say [insert the candidate’s words]. Is this
accurate?
 Would you rehire (candidate) if the opportunity arose?
 If I describe the position for which we are hiring, could you describe how good a
fit you think (candidate) would be for the position?
 Is there anything about which I haven’t asked that you feel I should know?

Always thank that person for sharing his or her time, attention, and honesty.

Common questions

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Frequent lateness or absences might suggest issues with time management or commitment, which can undermine a team’s productivity and morale. These patterns could indicate unreliability or potential difficulties in fulfilling job responsibilities effectively, prompting the need for closer examination of the candidate's work habits and underlying reasons .

A candidate's biggest accomplishments often highlight their strengths, work ethic, and ability to deliver results. Analyzing these achievements can predict potential contributions to future projects, especially if they align with the prospective role's goals. Successful past performance can be a strong indicator of future success under similar conditions .

Verifying a candidate's employment dates ensures the accuracy of the information provided on their resume or application, which is crucial for assessing their experience and reliability. Discrepancies in employment histories can indicate potential red flags such as dishonesty or gaps in employment that need further investigation .

Feedback on teamwork capability provides critical insight into the candidate's interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others, which are vital for most workplace environments. A candidate who excels in teamwork is likely to contribute positively to group dynamics and project outcomes, making them a more attractive hire .

Inquiring about rehire likelihood can offer a concise evaluation of the candidate's overall performance and the lasting impression they left on their past employer. If a former employer is willing to rehire a candidate, it typically signifies a positive endorsement of their work ethic, reliability, and fit within the company culture .

Identifying a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses is critical for assessing their potential fit and effectiveness in a new role. Understanding these attributes assists in aligning job responsibilities accordingly, facilitating professional growth, and addressing potential challenges they might face. This comprehensive view aids in making informed hiring decisions .

Understanding a candidate's past responsibilities helps determine their suitability for a new role by assessing whether their previous experience aligns with the expectations of the prospective job. It also aids in evaluating the candidate’s capability to handle similar duties and challenges, thereby ensuring a smoother transition and better performance in the new position .

Gaining the perspective of employees supervised by the candidate offers valuable insight into the candidate's leadership style and effectiveness. Such feedback can reveal how the candidate motivates, communicates, and resolves issues within their team, which is crucial for determining their leadership capabilities and potential fit for management roles .

Inquiring about a candidate's ability to manage stress and conflict is crucial as it provides insight into their emotional resilience and problem-solving skills, which are essential attributes for maintaining productivity and contributing positively to a team environment. Candidates who handle stress well are likely to perform more consistently under pressure .

Verifying what a candidate believes their former employer would say about them helps assess their self-awareness and honesty. It provides a benchmark against which the candidate's self-evaluation and their actual reputation among past colleagues can be compared, offering deeper insights into their character and reliability .

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