What Questions Do You Ask in a Reference Check?

Most people approach reference checks with a few key questions in mind. But here's the truth: the way you ask these questions and the specifics you focus on can make or break the value of the answers you receive. Getting the right insight requires nuanced questions that go beyond generic responses, leading to a deeper understanding of the candidate's true potential and possible challenges. In this guide, we will cover the most effective reference check questions that will not only give you insights but also allow you to read between the lines.

The One Question Most People Overlook

Ask yourself this: "Would you hire them again?" It's the simplest yet most revealing question. Most references expect to gloss over any flaws in the candidate by focusing on strengths, but this one question can cut through that narrative. It's not just about hearing "yes" or "no"; it’s about how they say it, the hesitation or enthusiasm behind the response, and what follows.

Diving Deeper: Beyond the Basics

Common questions like "What were their strengths and weaknesses?" or "How did they handle stress?" are expected. Instead, go deeper. Here are the essential questions that can truly impact your hiring decision:

1. What is their greatest achievement during their time at your organization?

   • This encourages the reference to focus on a specific contribution rather than vague compliments.

2. How do they handle failure?

   • Everyone faces setbacks. This question will tell you how resilient and adaptable the candidate is when things don’t go as planned.

3. How did they collaborate with other teams or departments?

   • Cross-team collaboration is critical in most modern work environments. You'll learn how well they communicate, influence, and support those around them.

4. Can you describe a time when the candidate went above and beyond in their role?

   • This reveals not only the candidate’s initiative but also their dedication to their role and the organization.

5. Were there any performance reviews or feedback that highlighted areas for growth?

   • It’s important to understand how open a candidate is to feedback and whether they take constructive criticism well.

Reading Between the Lines: Subtext in the Reference Check

Often, it's not the direct answers but what’s unsaid that can be the most revealing. Pay attention to the tone of voice—do they sound guarded, enthusiastic, or neutral? Silence before an answer can indicate hesitation, which may suggest there's more to the story. Follow up with clarifying questions like, "Could you elaborate on that?" to uncover the full picture.

In Tim Ferriss's style, here’s where things get practical. Just like in productivity hacks, the key to a good reference check is about strategic efficiency. What’s the 80/20 rule of reference checks? It’s asking the 20% of questions that will give you 80% of the insight.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Avoidance of specific details: If a reference keeps things vague or avoids certain topics, there might be something they're hesitant to share.
2. Excessive focus on one weakness: If the reference keeps coming back to one area of improvement, it's worth diving deeper into that.
3. Overly glowing praise: A reference that only highlights positives might be hiding something or simply trying to help the candidate. Ask follow-up questions to challenge this.

Structuring Your Reference Check: A Proactive Approach

You can break down your reference check into three stages:

1. Initial rapport: Begin by establishing a comfortable tone. Start with "How long did you work with [Candidate]?" to ease into the conversation.
2. Core assessment: This is where you ask the deep-dive questions that reveal strengths, areas of improvement, and cultural fit.
3. Closing insights: Finally, ask, "If you were me, would you have any concerns about hiring [Candidate]?" This invites the reference to share any final thoughts that might not have come up earlier.

Data Table: Summary of Key Questions to Ask During Reference Check

The Nuanced Art of Reference Checks

Asking the right questions is an art form. Much like in Tim Ferriss's interviews, where he pulls out hidden gems from his guests, your goal is to uncover the most critical insights from a reference. Every hiring manager knows that a polished resume can hide a candidate's shortcomings, but reference checks, if done correctly, provide unfiltered truths that can either reinforce your decision or reveal red flags.

The key takeaway here is simple: Reference checks are not just a formality—they are an opportunity to gain insider knowledge that can significantly influence your hiring decision. And the best part? By focusing on strategic, high-impact questions, you can conduct a thorough, insightful reference check without needing hours of conversation.

In conclusion, a well-structured reference check, driven by the right questions, is one of the most powerful tools in your hiring arsenal. Don’t just tick boxes; dig deeper, follow your intuition, and make sure you know who you’re hiring before they walk through your door.