How To Perform Great Reference Checks

If you’ve found a candidate that you think would be a perfect fit for the position you are trying to fill, it’s time for the last step of the hiring process: the reference checks. Sometimes, checking references is something that a hiring manager does quickly just to check the box. A reference check done well can save you time and money as well as ensuring you are making the best hire. A reference check done poorly can mean that you hire the wrong person and that can be costly. Here are 4 types of questions that you need to ask during your reference check calls.

When you get on the phone, whether it’s their previous manager or a peer, ask them what their relationship was with the candidate. By having the reference talk about their relationship with the candidate, you can glean important insights into what type of position the candidate held.

• How closely did you work with the candidate?
• What kind of work did the candidate perform?
• How is the candidate as a coworker?

A reference will be prepared for this part of the call. Generally, a reference tries to point out only the positives of the candidate. It’s important to phrase the questions so you can get them to tell you how the candidate can improve.

• Where did the candidate shine?
• What kinds of work did the candidate prefer?
• What is something that the candidate helped you do better? Is something that you helped the candidate do better?
• Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge together.

What makes the candidate tick? Before you bring the candidate on your team, it’s important to get insights on what motivates the candidate and how you can get best out of the candidate.

• Tell me about a time the candidate went above and beyond on a project. What was it that really motivated the candidate?
• From your perspective, what is an ideal opportunity for the candidate?
• Why would the candidate be looking for a new job?

Give the reference a chance to mention anything that you didn’t bring up in your questions or if there is something that they think you should know about the candidate.

When your reference check call covers all of these questions, you can get a good idea if the candidate is the best option for your team. It’s imperative that you take the time to do reference check right because it can save you time and money in the long run.