Job references can make or break your job offer.
During the interview process, most hiring companies do reference checks on potential employees.
Some companies ask for written references. Ā More likely, a company will conduct references over the phone.
When giving a person as a reference, get the person’s approval first.
In some cases, your current or former employer will not give information on your performance. Ā The employer may have a policy that limits giving employment information to the dates that you worked at their company.
Often the hiring company will speak with specific types of references. Ā For example, the company will ask to speak with current or former supervisors, co-workers, customers, vendors, or business connections.
In the case of reference checks for inexperienced workers, the hiring company may ask to speak with a neighbor, teacher, or classmate.
Here are common reference check questions.
- How long have you know this person?
- Would you hire or rehire the person today?
- Why did this person leave the last job?
- What was your relationship with the person?
- What would you say about this person and how would you describe the person?
- How well does the person handle conflict?
- What are his/her strongest points?
- How does this person work with other people?
- How does this person respond to feedback and criticism?
- What were the person’s greatest accomplishments?
- How would you rate the person’s performance on a scale of 1-10?
- WhatĀ areaĀ ofĀ developmentĀ couldĀ theĀ candidateĀ focusĀ on?
Other helpful articles
How to Receive Job-Winning Reference Checks
Build a Powerhouse Reference List As Part of Building Your Professional Network.