Reference Check

A reference check is when a prospective employer contacts individuals you have designated as professional references to gather additional information about your work performance, skills, character, and reliability. Reference checks are typically conducted late in the hiring process — after interviews and often after a conditional offer has been made.

Employers use reference checks to validate what they have learned about you through your resume and interviews, uncover potential concerns, and gain additional perspective on your working style. Common questions include: how the reference knows you and for how long, what your key strengths and areas for improvement are, how you handle challenges and work with teams, whether you are eligible for rehire, and whether they would recommend you for the position.

Choose references strategically: former direct supervisors carry the most weight, followed by colleagues, clients, and mentors. Select people who can speak specifically to the skills and experiences relevant to the role you are pursuing. Always ask permission before listing someone, give them advance notice when a call is expected, and provide context about the role so they can tailor their responses. If you have a former manager who might give a lukewarm reference, it is better to choose a different reference than to risk a damaging review.