Top References Checking Interview Questions & Answers:

1. What is References Checking?

Contacting previous employers of a job applicant to determine his or her job history. Reference check may also include checking with school(s) or college(s) attended by the applicant to verify educational qualifications.

2. Why reference checks are performed?

Reference checks are performed by recruiters to verify a potential employee's credentials. These checks can include personal references and business references. Information gained can include former job title, employment dates, salary information, attitude, attendance, performance, circumstances of departure, and more.

3. Why references checking is important?

Many regions outline specific laws regarding what information can and cannot be divulged. Many companies prohibit the release of information regarding former employees and will provide only basic information, such as employment confirmation and dates of employment.

4. Explain types of references Checking?

☰ Employment References
☰ Character Reference Check
☰ Gaps in employment history
☰ Identity and Address Verification - whether the applicant is who he or she claims to be. Generally includes verification of the candidate's present and previous addresses. Can include a money laundering, identity and terrorist check and one to verify the validity of passports.
☰ Whether an applicant holds a directorship
☰ Credit History (credit score is not included)

5. What is the reasons for Checking references or background?

✿ The current emphasis on security and identity-verification
✿ The increasing cost of a bad hiring decision, both to a company's budget and reputation
✿ The increased scrutiny that management is now subject to following a number of high-profile corporate scandals
✿ Federal and state laws require background checks for specific jobs including various government positions

6. Do you know when to use a character reference?

☛ For job candidates seeking their first jobs
☛ For job candidates with little formal work experience
☛ For job candidates who have not worked for a long period of time
☛ When previous employment references are unobtainable for any reason

7. Employer Reference Check interview questions part 10:

☛ What was the applicant's job title?
☛ Period of employment?
☛ Reason for leaving?
☛ Main duties and responsibilities?
☛ Overall rating of work performance?
☛ Applicant's strengths and weaknesses?
☛ Describe applicant's honesty and reliability
☛ Describe applicant's working relationships with supervisors and co-workers
☛ Hypothetically, would you re-employ the applicant?
☛ Is there anything else you would like to add about this
applicant?

8. Employer Reference Check interview questions part 9:

☛ Can you tell me about (candidate's) flexibility with regard to job tasks and working conditions?
☛ What do you consider (candidate's) key strengths?
☛ What would you consider to be (candidate's) areas for improvement?
☛ What would you say was (candidate's) biggest accomplishment while working at your company?
☛ How would you rate (candidate's) overall job performance?
☛ Was (candidate) ever promoted while working at your company?
☛ (Candidate) is being considered for the following position, do you think he/she is a good fit?
☛ Theoretically, would you re-employ him/her?
☛ Is there anything else you would like to add about (candidate)?

9. Employer Reference Check interview questions part 8:

☛ Ability to handle conflict?
☛ Ability to work as a team member?
☛ How would you rate (candidate's) communication skills?
☛ How has (candidate) displayed initiative?
☛ Please describe (candidate's) work ethic?
☛ Please rate (candidate's) problem-solving skills?
☛ How would you describe the quality of (candidate's) work?

10. Employer Reference Check interview questions part 7:

☛ Can you tell me (candidate's) salary at the time of leaving?
☛ Please rate (candidate's) reliability?
☛ How would you describe (candidate's) honesty and integrity?
☛ How did (candidate) get along with co-workers and management?
☛ If (candidate) supervised/managed any employees, how would you describe her/his supervisory/management skills?
☛ Describe (candidate's) ability to handle pressure? Can you give me an example?
☛ Ability to organize, prioritize and manage time?