References Checking

This question will help you to compare and verify the position that the reference is describing, with the description that was given to you by the candidate.

Before asking the next question, offer the reference a brief but specific description of the position the candidate is being considered for. Focus on the three top-priority responsibilities to enable the reference to provide specific feedback on each.

☺ Reliable,

☺ Honest,

☺ Organized,

☺ Persevering,

☺ Responsible,

☺ Good communicator,

☺ Hardworking,

☺ Diligent,

☺ Motivated,

☺ Adaptable,

☺ Helpful,

☺ Conscientious,

☺ Disciplined,

☺ Enthusiastic,

☺ Flexible,

☺ Responsible,

☺ Determined,

☺ Loyal,

☺ Energetic.

A background check is a common term used to describe one or a number of reports collected about a candidate for employment purposes. The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) defines a background check as a consumer report. The report can vary from just checking a social security number to an in-depth investigation of education, work, criminal, credit, social and lifestyle history, including job references.

The introduction should clearly indicate how the writer knows you and why he or she is eligible to write a personal reference for you. The letter should highlight your qualifications, the skills and behaviors the writer has first hand knowledge or experience of and why they would recommend you to a potential employer.

☛ Ability to handle conflict?

☛ Ability to work as a team member?

☛ How would you rate (candidate's) communication skills?

☛ How has (candidate) displayed initiative?

☛ Please describe (candidate's) work ethic?

☛ Please rate (candidate's) problem-solving skills?

☛ How would you describe the quality of (candidate's) work?

It is a reference letter from a person who knows the candidate in a personal capacity rather than a previous employer. A personal character reference can be used as a recommendation for employment and should highlight the positive qualities of the individual.

This type of recommendation letter is more personal and less formal than a letter of recommendation from a former employer.

Although teamwork is highly regarded by most companies, a person who is more independently directed may be what your position calls for. Determine, based on your assessment of the job, whether an interactive or independent work style is important for success -- and regardless of the answer, probe to determine whether the candidate demonstrated respect for other employees' contributions and a willingness to consider others' opinions.

Again, probe to discover what specific management behaviors the candidate responds well to and compare differences in your management style from the one being described that may make a difference in how you interact with this employee

☛ Would you comment on his/her attention to detail?

☛ Please describe the applicant's ability to problem-solve?

☛ How would you describe his/her interaction with customers?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's energy level and stamina?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's negotiation skills?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's adaptability? Can you give me an example of when the applicant had to prove his/her ability to adapt?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's decision-making ability?

The reference will probably offer specific characteristics about the candidate that lead him/her to believe that the candidate could effectively assume the role. If the reference simply responds by affirming that, in his or her opinion, the candidate is qualified, probe by asking, What specific qualities or personal characteristics cause you to feel this way?

Prior to asking the next question, tell the reference that you will be responsible for managing and supporting this person in the position. You are, therefore, interested to know what management style the candidate responds best to.

☛ What do you consider to be the applicant's key strengths?

☛ What would you consider to be his/her areas for improvement?

☛ Overall, how would you rate his/her work performance from 1-5, 1 is poor and 5 excellent?

☛ What was his/her reporting structure?

☛ How did the applicant respond to your supervision/management style?

☛ How much supervision was needed by the applicant?

☛ If applicant supervised/managed any employees, how would you describe her/his supervisory/management skills?

☛ How did he/she get along with co-workers?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's punctuality and reliability?

☛ What is your experience of the candidate's honesty and integrity?

☛ Can he/she handle pressure? Can you support this with an example?

☛ How would you describe the applicant's ability to handle conflict?

☛ Did he/she work as part of a team and if so, what contribution did applicant make?

☛ Please describe the applicant's communication skills?

☛ What position did the applicant hold in your company?

☛ What was his/her period of employment?

☛ What was applicant's reason for leaving your company?

☛ How long have you worked with the applicant?

☛ Please outline his/her position and main responsibilities?

☛ From the applicant's resume, does this job title and job description match the position that the applicant held?

☛ Please describe the quality of his/her work?

☛ Can you tell me (candidate's) salary at the time of leaving?

☛ Please rate (candidate's) reliability?

☛ How would you describe (candidate's) honesty and integrity?

☛ How did (candidate) get along with co-workers and management?

☛ If (candidate) supervised/managed any employees, how would you describe her/his supervisory/management skills?

☛ Describe (candidate's) ability to handle pressure? Can you give me an example?

☛ Ability to organize, prioritize and manage time?

☛ What was (candidate's) period of employment?

☛ Please outline (candidate's) position and responsibilities?

☛ Reviewing (candidate's) resume, does this job title and job description match the position that the candidate held?

☛ What was (candidate's) reporting structure?

☛ If (candidate) did not report to you, what was your working relationship?

☛ How long have your worked with /known (candidate)?

☛ What was (candidate's) reason for leaving your company?

Contacting previous employers of a job applicant to determine his or her job history. Reference check may also include checking with school(s) or college(s) attended by the applicant to verify educational qualifications.

Reference checks are performed by recruiters to verify a potential employee's credentials. These checks can include personal references and business references. Information gained can include former job title, employment dates, salary information, attitude, attendance, performance, circumstances of departure, and more.

Many regions outline specific laws regarding what information can and cannot be divulged. Many companies prohibit the release of information regarding former employees and will provide only basic information, such as employment confirmation and dates of employment.