Once your final candidate has been selected, conducting reference checks is a critical final step in the hiring process. Alongside background checks, references offer a final opportunity to uncover any potential concerns and validate the candidate’s fit for the role.  

• Do not shortcut or skip this process. Reference checks provide valuable, independent insights into a candidate’s on-the-job performance, character, and work ethic.

What is a Reference?

• Professional References: Individuals the candidate has worked with professionally, such as a current or former manager, colleague, or business partner.

• Personal References: Mentors, coaches, or teachers who can speak to the candidate’s character, but not family members.

  • Best Practice: Contact 3 references per candidate, with 2 being the minimum required before a new hire starts. All references must be documented in iCIMS.

Guidelines for Checking References

• Treat all candidates fairly and consistently.

• Focus only on information relevant to the role and the candidate’s qualifications.

• Always:

  • Identify yourself, your role, and that you’re calling from Fleet Feet.

  • Confirm the reference’s availability or schedule a later time.

  • Let them know the candidate has provided consent and that their responses will remain confidential.

  • Briefly describe the role the candidate is being considered for.

  • Allow time for open, thoughtful responses—don’t interrupt or lead the witness.

  • Disregard unrelated or discriminatory information.

• Document all completed reference checks in iCIMS.

Reference Check Process by Entity

Company-Owned Stores

• Store Manager requests references via iCIMS.

• References are entered into the Reference Check Form or uploaded in the Candidate Attachments section.
  
  

SST / DC Teams

• HR Coordinator gathers the reference list and sends it (with the reference check form) to the hiring manager.

• Hiring manager conducts reference checks via phone or email.

• Completed reference checks are returned to the HR Coordinator for upload into iCIMS.

  • Rehires: If a former employee has been gone more than 180 days, references are required before rehiring.

Helpful Resources

• • SHRM article: How to Get Great Results when Checking Candidate References.

• Reference Check Introduction Example - Phone & Email

• Reference Check Form