References are a great way for companies to gain an additional level of knowledge about their candidates, beyond what they include on their CV, references can help provide a greater insight to an individual work ethics and abilities.



Questions To Ask When Reference Checking

  • Could I briefly review (name’s) CV? Do the job title and job description match the position that (name) held?
  • Why did (name) leave the company?
  • What was her/his starting and ending salary?  Did they receive any salary increases?
  • Can you describe this person’s experience working as a member of a team?
  • How did s/he support co-workers?
  • What were (name’s) strengths and weaknesses as an employee?
  • Was (name) promoted while with your company?
  • Did (name) supervise other employees? How effectively? If I spoke to those employees, how do you think they would describe (name’s) management style?
  • Did you evaluate (name’s) performance? Can you speak to her/his strong and weak points? What was noted as needing improvement during this performance review?
  • What was (name’s) biggest accomplishment while working for your company?
  • Would you rehire (name) if the opportunity arose?
  • Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like to share with me?