Questions Employers Ask During a Reference Check

For those searching for a job, prospective employers will likely ask for references. As a result, it's important to understand what questions employers ask your references.

The good news is that employers usually check references when you're in serious contention for a job. That said, some employers may ask for references as early as when you submit your job application, so it pays to have yours lined up ahead of time.

References are important. An Accountemps survey reports that about one in three candidates (34%) are removed from consideration for a position with their company after their references are checked.

What Employers Want To Know

Reference checks help potential employers confirm that candidates have been honest in their job applications and interview responses. At some point during the hiring process, you should expect to have your references checked. What do employers ask your references?

Reference checks are also an opportunity for an employer to get a sense of a candidate's performance on the job and personal qualities.

If you're nervous about what will happen during a reference check, it might help to know what to expect. For example, there are standard questions that are used to check out prospective employees.

Learning what employers are likely to ask your references during the process might help you head off potential problems.

What Your Past Employers May or May Not Say

Before making a job offer, a prospective employer will likely check references. However, many employers give out only starting and ending dates of employment. Some companies may have a policy that states that managers cannot provide references. Some employers refer 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, attendance at work, 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

Here are some of the questions that employers may ask your references:

• When did (name) work for your company? Could you confirm starting and ending employment dates? When did they leave the company?
• What was their position? Can you describe the job responsibilities?
• 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 their starting and ending salary?

• Did (name) miss a lot of work? Were they frequently late? Were there any issues you are aware of that impacted their job performance?
• Did they get along well with management and co-workers?
• Can you describe this person's experience working as a member of a team?
• Did (name) prefer to work on a team or independently?
• How did they support co-workers?
• What were their strengths and weaknesses as an employee?
• Were they promoted while with your company?
• Did the person supervise other employees? How effectively? If I spoke to those employees, how do you think they would describe their management style?
• How did they handle conflict? How about pressure? Stress?
• Did you evaluate (name's) performance? Can you speak to their 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?
• If I describe the position to you, could you explain how good a fit you think (name) would be for the job?
• Is there anything I haven't asked that you would like to share with me?

Sample Reference Check Letter

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.

Here's an example of a reference check letter sent to a previous employer.

Tips for Preparing for a Reference Check

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

Even if you've worked together very recently, it makes sense to discuss 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 ensure that you get the best possible reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)