Often asked: Questions To Ask When Checking Employment References?

What questions can employers ask when checking references?

The standard questions you should expect potential employers to ask your references include:

• “Can you confirm the start and end dates of the candidate’s employment at your company?”
• “What was the candidate’s job title? Can you briefly explain some of their responsibilities in the role?”
• “How do you know the candidate?”

What can you not ask in a reference check?

Part of the answer to this question is obvious. Never ask questions that are prohibited by the EEOC, so that means never ask questions about age, race, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, health, or sexual orientation.

What is asked in a reference check?

What should you ask?

• Dates of employment.
• Job title and main responsibilities.
• Attendance record and number of days sick leave taken.
• If they were reliable, honest, hardworking etc.
• Any disciplinary actions taken against them.
• If there are any reasons why they should not be employed.

Do employers call all three references?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two. Occasionally the final three or four. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that’s inconsiderate of the reference.

How do you introduce yourself when calling references?

When you first connect with a reference, take a moment to introduce yourself, explain the purpose of your call, and provide an overview of what the reference can expect from your questions. You should also provide a time estimate for the conversation and a summary of the applicant’s desired position.

Do they actually call the references?

Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

Can you ask about salary in a reference check?

Employers are prohibited from asking about applicants ‘ salary histories, and they cannot rely on that information unless volunteered by the applicant. The law does not apply to internal applicants.

What happens if I give a false reference?

Fake references are illegal – if you’re caught. Directly lying is incredibly unethical, and if caught, you could be fired or face legal trouble. Companies rarely sue for lying, but the people you named on your reference list have every right to.

Are reference checks a good sign?

Remember this: When a hiring company makes a call to your references, it’s almost always a good sign —so you can breathe easy. A reference check typically means a hiring manager is near-ready to extend an offer to a candidate, and they want one final confirmation that you are the right fit for their team, Foss says.

Are reference checks illegal?

The Legality of Reference Checks There are no federal laws preventing them from giving you more info on your candidate, just company policies aimed at reducing risk of liability for discrimination and/or defamation.

How long should a reference check take?

Make sure that the reference check is completed by your prospective employer by checking with the contacts you have given. Usually it takes 2–3 days once the reference check is completed, if the recruiter is busy with other immediate hiring it may take a bit longer.

Can I use someone as a reference without asking?

Your references should be people you have worked for or worked with. Don’t use someone as a reference without asking them first. Do not assume your favorite teacher or former supervisor will give you a reference. Always ask for permission first and ask far enough in advance so they have enough time to say yes or no.

How long after reference check is job offer?

How long after reference check is job offer? Once the reference check is finished, it usually takes 2–3 days; however, if the recruiter is busy with other quick hires, it may take a little longer.

Can I see my reference from my employer?

Once you start a job with a new employer, you can ask them for a copy of any reference they have been given from your previous employer. This is a right under the Data Protection Act. Your previous employer is not obliged to provide you with such a copy.