A Script to Request a Reference Check and Get Consent

A Script to Request a Reference Check and Get Consent

How to get written consent from candidates and obtain Reference details.

Reference Check Request & Consent Script

This Reference Check Request & Consent Script is a template for an email script used to obtain reference provider names and written consent from candidates to conduct reference checks. 

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Overview

Reference checking is an exciting stage for both the candidate and the company. It signifies a step closer to finding the ideal candidate for the open position. There is this secret wish to blaze through this stage and make an employment offer. But hold your horses!

Confidential and personal information such as job performance and salary are collected when conducting a reference check. Therefore, it pays to be extra careful and proceed with caution. Use the Reference Check Request & Consent Script template to protect your company from legal liability arising from allegation of unauthorised collection of personal information.  This article makes a compelling case why reference check consent makes good business sense.

The Reference Check Request & Consent template comes with a pre-written script that you can easily cut and paste into the body of an email and sent to the prospective candidate. It also contains clear instructions to the prospective candidate on actions to take to give you written consent to contact references provided. Very few customisation to the script is required. The only required skill is the ability to cut and paste to a word doc. Seriously! It's that easy! 

Now that you have received the consent, it's time to focus on collecting information that will help in making a hiring decision. Need a little help here? Check out our Checking References & Hiring Kit.

How is the Reference Check Request & Consent Script used?

Before conducting a reference check, use this template to obtain reference provider names and written consent from candidates to conduct reference checks.

Why use a Reference Check Request & Consent Script?

  • Reference checks cannot be conducted without written consent from the candidate.
  • Reference check providers are much more likely to be forthcoming if they know that the candidate has provided written consent.

What you risk by not using Reference Check Request & Consent Script?

  • Reference check providers may not provide a reference check when you call.
  • You incur legal risk to your company by not having prior written consent.
  • Your company comes across as unprofessional to candidates and their former employers.

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Reference Check Request & Consent Script

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Contracts & Agreement Templates in this Kit

The template referenced on this page can be used on its own as a stand-alone tool, or in conjunction with other HR templates in the Contracts & Agreement Kit that includes the following documents:

Template Description

Offer Form Template

This form template ensures that all information about a candidate and position is collected and summarized, so that HR has the information they need to process an employment or independent contractor agreement.

Employment Contract Agreement Template

A contractual agreement template between the company and the employee that establishes the terms and conditions of employment.

Independent Contractor Agreement Template

This agreement template is intended to be used to clearly articulate and establish the terms and conditions of a contract between your company and an independent contractor.

Overtime Averaging Agreement Template

A contractual agreement between an employee and your company allows you to bypass overtime rates by averaging the employee’s hours of work over a period of 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. 

Employee Handbook Acknowledgment Agreement Template

This is a contract agreement that is signed by Staff, in the presence of a witness, to acknowledge that they've read, understood, and will adhere to the Staff Policies section in your Employee Handbook.

Front Desk Service Agreement Template

An agreement used to obtain signed confirmation from front line and reception staff to acknowledge their understanding of company protocols and expected service levels. 

Involuntary Termination Authorization Form Template

This document is a template spreadsheet that will help your company calculate the costs associated with terminating an employee, and to obtain authorization to terminate. 

Involuntary Termination Letter Options & Release Form

A document that provides 6 different involuntary termination (firing) letter options between the company and the employee as well as a Release form that together outline the contractual agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of termination. 
Non-Disclosure Agreement for Exploratory Discussions Template This template agreement is intended to be used to protect the interests of your company in situations where company-confidential information may be shared during exploratory discussions with prospective candidates.
Reference Check Request & Consent Template This document is a template for an email script used to obtain reference provider names and written consent from candidates to conduct reference checks.
Training Reimbursement Agreement Template A template for a contractual Agreement between your company and an employee embarking on a training initiative that exceeds a company-determined cost ceiling, where your company is expecting the training expenses to be reimbursed by the employee in certain scenarios.
Delegate Confidentiality Agreement Template This document contains instructions and a script for a conduct agreement between a manager and administrative-level staff. The script can be used when a manager needs to delegate work that may require access to sensitive or confidential information.
Hybrid and Remote Work Policy & Agreement Template A template for a contractual Agreement that is used to set expectations and guidelines for remote employees who work outside the company office to create a mutually beneficial situation for both the company and the teleworker. 

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