Reference Check Questions: What to Ask and Why

Reference checks can be pivotal in hiring decisions, providing insights beyond what is found on resumes and in interviews. The following questions can help you uncover valuable information about a candidate's past performance, work ethic, and suitability for the role.

1. Can you confirm the candidate’s job title and dates of employment?

   • This question helps verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate and confirms their tenure.

2. What were the candidate’s primary responsibilities and achievements in their role?

   • This allows you to understand the candidate’s job scope and their accomplishments in their previous position.

3. How would you describe the candidate’s work ethic and reliability?

   • Insights into the candidate’s work habits and dependability are crucial for predicting future performance.

4. Can you provide an example of a challenging situation the candidate faced and how they handled it?

   • This question assesses problem-solving skills and resilience.

5. How did the candidate interact with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates?

   • Understanding interpersonal skills and team dynamics can give you a sense of how the candidate will fit into your organization.

6. What are the candidate’s strengths and areas for improvement?

   • This helps identify if the candidate’s strengths align with the role requirements and if there are any potential red flags.

7. Why did the candidate leave their previous job?

   • The reasons behind job changes can offer insights into the candidate’s career motivations and whether there might be any issues.

8. Would you rehire this candidate?

   • This is a direct measure of the reference’s overall satisfaction with the candidate’s performance and fit.

9. Is there anything else you think we should know about the candidate?

   • This open-ended question can reveal additional information that might not have been covered by previous questions.

Each of these questions serves a specific purpose, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the candidate. Tailoring your questions to the role and the candidate’s background can provide even deeper insights.