Anyone at Purdue who has hired an employee has probably at least seen a reference check form. But many supervisors haven’t had the time to spend learning what reference checks are and why we need to conduct them. This article will give you a quick summary of what you need to know.

What are reference checks?

Employers make reference checks on prospective employees before making job offers. The purpose is to find out as much as possible about the candidate’s previous work history or to verify that the candidate has the credentials stated on the resume. To obtain this information, candidates are asked provide the names and contact information of the two to three most recent supervisors.

Reference checks may be performed as part of a larger background checking process, or they may simply be the final step before making a job offer.

Why check references?

There are two primary reasons to conduct reference checks:

Requirements for reference checks

You must have the candidate’s permission before conducting reference checks. When you post your position through Purdue’s employment office, you are provided with reference check release forms. All applicants you interview should fill out these forms and sign them. 

You should only conduct reference checks on job finalists; it is not necessary or appropriate to spend time and resources checking references of the many other applicants you may have considered and interviewed, but who are not your top candidates.

You will also be provided with a sample reference check form used throughout Purdue University. This provides you with a standard set of reference check questions and allows you to record the answers in a standardized format.

Difficulty obtaining reference check information

Be sure to have your top candidates provide the names and numbers of specific individuals who supervised them, not just company names. Many companies (including Purdue) will only confirm employment dates and positions held. You have a better chance of getting the information you need if you are able to contact previous supervisors directly. 

If a former supervisor is reluctant to discuss the candidate with you, you can explain that as the hiring decision maker, you need a work reference and may not be able to hire the individual if you cannot obtain one. 

If the supervisor is still unwilling to provide feedback, you can document this on your reference check form to demonstrate that you did attempt to obtain the information.

Reference check information held confidential

All information gathered through the process of checking references is confidential and must be communicated only to those who have a business need to know. 

Candidates have legal rights to see reference information if they suspect a problem and pursue a legal remedy. Be sure to maintain appropriate, objective documentation.

After the reference check

Once you have completed job interviews and reference checks on your top job candidates, you will have taken the necessary steps to obtain as much information as possible to help you make your hiring decision. If you have questions about checking references, please contact your employment consultant directly or call 49-49687 to be connected with your consultant.