What Do Job References Get Asked?

When a potential employer contacts your job references, they typically ask a range of questions designed to gauge your suitability for the role. Understanding these questions can help you prepare your references and ensure they provide a favorable and accurate assessment of your skills and experience. This article explores the types of questions commonly asked of job references, the purpose behind each question, and how you can help your references provide the best possible feedback.

1. How do you know the candidate?

This question aims to establish the relationship between the reference and the candidate. The employer wants to understand the context in which the reference has interacted with the candidate and how closely they have worked together. This helps in assessing the relevance of the reference's feedback.

2. What was the candidate's job role and responsibilities?

Employers ask this to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the candidate's resume or application. They want to ensure that the reference's description of the candidate’s job role and responsibilities aligns with what the candidate has claimed.

3. How did the candidate perform in their role?

This is a key question where employers seek an evaluation of the candidate’s performance. The reference should provide insights into the candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness in their role. This includes specific examples of accomplishments or areas for improvement.

4. How well did the candidate work with others?

Teamwork and collaboration are crucial aspects of most jobs. Employers use this question to gauge how the candidate interacts with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates. They are interested in understanding the candidate’s communication skills, teamwork ability, and interpersonal skills.

5. How did the candidate handle challenges or conflicts?

This question explores the candidate’s problem-solving abilities and how they manage difficult situations. The reference should provide examples of how the candidate addressed challenges or conflicts in the workplace, demonstrating their resilience and problem-solving skills.

6. Was the candidate reliable and punctual?

Reliability and punctuality are important traits in any job. Employers want to know if the candidate consistently met deadlines, showed up on time, and could be depended upon to complete tasks efficiently.

7. Would you rehire the candidate?

This question directly assesses the reference's overall opinion of the candidate. A positive answer indicates that the reference had a favorable experience working with the candidate and would be willing to work with them again, which can be a strong endorsement for the candidate.

8. Are there any areas where the candidate could improve?

Employers are interested in understanding any potential weaknesses or areas for development. This question helps them gauge the candidate’s self-awareness and willingness to improve. It also provides a balanced view of the candidate’s abilities and areas where they might need additional support.

9. How did the candidate contribute to the company’s goals or success?

This question seeks to understand the candidate’s impact on the organization. The reference should provide examples of how the candidate’s work contributed to achieving company goals, driving success, or adding value to the organization.

10. Can you provide any additional comments or insights about the candidate?

This open-ended question allows the reference to share any other relevant information that may not have been covered by the previous questions. It gives the reference a chance to provide a more comprehensive view of the candidate’s abilities, character, and fit for the role.

Preparing Your References

To ensure your references provide the best possible feedback, it is important to prepare them in advance. Here are some tips for preparing your references:

• Choose the Right References: Select individuals who are familiar with your work and can provide a positive and detailed assessment of your skills and achievements.
• Inform Your References: Let your references know that they may be contacted and provide them with details about the job you are applying for. Share your resume and any key points you would like them to highlight.
• Provide Context: Give your references context about the types of questions they might be asked and the qualities or skills that are important for the role.
• Follow Up: After your references have been contacted, follow up with them to thank them for their time and effort. Also, ask if they had any issues or if there is anything you can do to help improve their feedback.

In summary, job references are a critical part of the hiring process, providing employers with valuable insights into a candidate’s past performance and suitability for a role. By understanding the types of questions commonly asked and preparing your references effectively, you can help ensure a positive and accurate assessment that supports your job application.