Reference calls

Informing a candidate that we will be conducting reference calls functions like a 'truth serum.' We generally inform candidates at the beginning of the interview process that we will be conducting reference calls, and we will reach out to the references to schedule calls after the candidates has completed an in-person interview.

From The 10 Best Questions To Ask When Checking References, here are some good questions to ask:

1. Can you verify the job candidate’s employment, job title, pay, and responsibilities? Why did they leave that job?
2. How do you know the job candidate?
3. What makes the candidate a good fit for this job?
4. If you had the opportunity, would you re-hire this job candidate? Why?
5. What are the candidate’s biggest strengths and weaknesses?
6. Did the candidate get along with their co-workers and management?
7. Tell me what it’s like to work with the job candidate.
8. What advice can you give me to successfully manage the job candidate?
9. What else do I need to know about the job candidate that I didn’t already ask?
10. Who else should I speak to about the candidate that can provide different insight?During the phone call, listen carefully for any red flags. Take note of who you called, when you called them, and what was discussed. In the HR world, it’s always smart to document every thing.The reference check will