Frequently Asked Questions about Reference Checks
Who conducts the reference checks?
Typically, the person who will be making the final hiring decision checks the top
candidates’ references. Alternatively, a human resources (HR) specialist may check
references.
How many references should be contacted?
Contacting multiple references can be beneficial to gather different perspectives on a
candidate’s skills and abilities.
Typically, candidates provide three (3) references for the hiring manager (or HR
specialist) to contact. If those references are not available, or if additional perspectives
are desired, you can ask the candidate for additional references.
Who should serve as a reference?
The reference should have been in a position to directly observe the candidate and be of a
professional nature (previous or current supervisors, coworkers, professors, etc.) and not
personal (friends, relatives, etc.).
References who have had the most recent contact with the candidate may be better able to
provide specific and accurate feedback. Less recent references may not be aware of new
skills the candidate may have developed. On the other hand, there may be circumstances
where a less recent reference has the best knowledge of the competencies that are most
important for the position to be filled. Accordingly, you will need to use judgment and
weigh the information references provide appropriately to the situation.
Should I obtain a candidate's consent to check their references?
Yes, when you ask a candidate to provide references, you should obtain their permission
to contact their references. Consent can also be granted via language on the job
application (e.g., a statement that all information provided by the candidate will be
verified), the Declaration for Federal Employment form (
OF-306) or a similar agency-
developed form, or orally (e.g., during the interview).
What if the candidate asked not to contact their current supervisor?
This is a common request (and is often an option within online staffing systems). One
option is to ask if their current supervisor can be contacted once a tentative offer has been
extended to the candidate.
If a candidate has asked their current supervisor not be contacted, ask the candidate to
provide alternative references.
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