reference check form

Reference Check Template

Customize this Form and Have a Consistent, Effective Reference Check process for Managers and Staff

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Reference Check Form

This Reference Check Form will become the master version of a form template and script. Once customized for your company, it will be used by HR, Hiring Manager, or any staff involved in checking references for prospective candidates.

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Overview

This Reference Check Form template is used to verify the accuracy of information gathered about a candidate throughout the interviewing process. It's important to be well-prepared for a reference check interview. You will only have a few minutes with the reference check provider and his or her input will likely influence your decision to hire the candidate or not. 

While conducting the reference check interview, you will be representing the company so it's important to be well-prepared, professional, and leave a good impression. 

The purpose of this template is to take the time to prepare a strong list of questions that cut to the heart of what you want to know.  Using the same list of questions for every reference check interview will make it easier to compare responses from reference providers and note consistencies or inconsistencies.

Why use the Reference Check Template

During the reference check interview, it’s critical that thoughtful preparation goes into the questions asked. Using a form template:

  • Provides a script, ensuring consistent use of best practices
  • Ensures that each reference provider is asked the same questions for comparison purposes
  • To verify the accuracy of information gathered about a candidate throughout the interviewing process

What you risk by not using the Reference Check Template

  • Reference check interviews may be unorganized
  • Reference check interviews will be inconsistent between Managers
  • You may waste the time of reference providers by conducting interviews that are not well-designed to assess the candidate's history relevant to the position
  • Staff can make assumptions and take shortcuts

HR Tips for Small Business

If your company has a merit-based, results-oriented culture, you may want to consider the following: 

  • When contacting the reference provider, try to get a sense of the culture of the company the candidate came from.  If the culture was not merit-based or results-oriented, the reference may not be a good indicator of success in your company.  An individual may be considered a 'star' in one company, but may not be considered as such in another.

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Reference Check Form  |  Accompanying Instructions for Managers

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Which HR kit is it included in?

The Reference Check Form can be used on its own as a stand-alone tool, or as part of the Checking References & Hiring Kit for Managers, which is one of 4 ConnectsUs Recruiting & Hiring Kits.

reference-check-form-template

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