Career Advice & Resources


Questions Employers Ask When Conducting a Reference Check

Questions Employers Ask When Conducting a Reference Check

When you're job searching, you can expect to have your references checked at some point during the hiring process. Prospective employers usually check references when you're in serious contention for a job. In some cases, employers may ask for references as early as when you submit your job application. At FP Recruitment & Executive Search, we conduct a reference check as soon as the candidate past the final interview just before the offering stage.


Reference checks help potential employers confirm that candidates have been honest in their job application and interview responses. What do they want to know? Some of the questions asked when checking references are factual, centering around job title, salary, employment dates, etc. Reference checks are also an opportunity for an employer to get a sense of a candidate's performance on the job and personal qualities.


Whether you are an employer checking an applicant's references or a candidate who wants to know what questions are asked during a reference check, there are standard questions that are used to check out prospective employees.



Questions Employers Ask When Conducting a Reference Check 


Prior to making a job offer, a prospective employer is likely to check references, however many employers give out only starting and ending dates of employment. In fact, some companies may have a policy that states that managers cannot provide references. Many companies refer to all requests for references to the Human Resources department, which often doesn't have additional details accessible.

Others may be willing to go in-depth and discuss your job performance, your work ethic, your attendance at work, your attitude, and other criteria that are important to a company when considering whether to make a job offer. In addition to prior employers, the people you have provided as references may also be contacted.



Sample Reference Check Questions 






  • Could I briefly review (name's) resume? 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 she/he get along well with management and co-workers?




  • Did (name) prefer to work on a team or independently?


  • How did she/he support co-workers?


  • What were (name's) strengths and weaknesses as an employee?


  • Was (name) promoted while with your company?






  • 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?




  • Would you rehire (name) if the opportunity arose?






Some employers will check references in writing so they have a record of the reference. This also provides the reference giver with authorization to release information on behalf of the applicant.



Tips for Job Applicants 


You can't control what your ex-employer will say about you, but you can prepare your personal references to ensure their answers match yours and that you are both on the same page when it comes to your work history and abilities.


Even if you’ve worked together very recently, it makes sense to have a conversation about what the new job entails and what the hiring manager wants to see in a successful candidate. That way, your reference can emphasize the skills and experience that fit the duties of the job.


You might even provide them with a copy of the job description, alongside a reminder of why you’re well-suited for the role. This will save them time, as well as ensuring that you get the best possible reference.