How to Ask a Job Reference Questions
Checking job references allows you to see if the person you interviewed for the current open position is a good fit for your company. The information that you gather from the job references could make or break your decision regarding the job candidate and the open position. It is critical that you get as much information as you can from each job reference so that you can make a well informed final decision.
- Call the job reference and request a few moments of their time. Tell them that you are following up after an interview with the job candidate and that you would like to ask a few questions about the person you could possibly hire for your company.
- Request the dates that the candidate worked for the company and if the candidate is eligible for rehiring.
- Ask about the candidate’s work ethics. Find out if the candidate was ever late or missed work without reporting into the company.
- Request information on the type of tasks the candidate performed daily. This allows you to know if the candidate has worked in the field before and if he has the right training for your job.
- Refrain from asking illegal questions such as “How old is he?” or “Does he have children?” This could get your company in trouble with the federal government.
- Ask the job reference about their management style and the candidate’s management style if the candidate had a manager position. Ask the job reference if the candidate is qualified for the position that you are hiring for.
- Ask any follow up questions that you have and thank the job reference for their time.