Guides / Finding and vetting
How to check references properly
A short script, and the answers that should make you pause.
A reference call takes ten minutes and is one of the most useful checks you can do. Ask for at least two references from similar recent work.
Ask
- How did you know them, and for how long?
- What did they do for you?
- How reliable were they with time and communication?
- Was there ever a problem, and how did they handle it?
- Why did the arrangement end?
- Would you hire them again?
Pause if
- A reference is vague or only praises in general terms
- You can't confirm the reference is who they say they are
- Dates or duties don't match what the candidate told you
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