Check references

Reference checks give you the opportunity to assess criteria that aren't appropriately measured solely by the candidate's own responses to your questions. Reference checks are not the time to assess criteria that require information that only candidates possess.

Reference checking can be done by mail, by phone or a combination of both. Whatever method you choose, follow these guidelines:

Authorization to check references must be obtained from each candidate prior to contacting any references. As part of the application, candidates were asked to provide you with three references to contact. The fact that these names were provided to you constitutes authorization to make contact.
During the interview you may discover other people you would like to contact for a reference. Explain this to the candidate and ask their permission. Have the applicant add the names/addresses and phone numbers of any additional references to the original list submitted.
Phone the reference to introduce yourself and your request. Mutually decide if the reference will answer your questions by phone or prefers to respond to a mailed form.
Ask probing questions if necessary. Ask for examples. For example, if the reference says that the applicant was a "hard worker," ask for examples of what that looked like. Remember to ask the reference about any questions that came up during the interview

Use the "Reference Checking Form" to record questions and answers.

What if a reference isn't a good one? If the reference source gives you permission, you can release the information to the applicant and discuss it with him or her. Ask for an explanation without passing judgment. If warranted, ask the applicant to give you the name of another person to contact from the same organization.

If strongly negative information is obtained through a reference check, compare the negative information with information from other references. Weigh the candidate's response and your overall impression before rejecting a candidate based upon the negative reference information. Remember, you haven't met the reference and you don't know as much about them as you do about the candidate. If you are unsure about whether or not to hire a candidate based on a reference, contact the UWEX Personnel Office.

Go to "Step 4"

Return to Step 3.

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November 25, 2009	© 2009 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. If you have questions, suggestions, or trouble accessing this page; require this information in an alternative format or wish to request a reasonable accommodation because of a disability - Contact: wnep@ces.uwex.edu