Reference Check: Sample Questions

20 sample questions for employment reference check:

1. How long you have known the person? In what capacity?

2. How would you describe this former employee of yours, in one phrase?

3. Do you still remember the exact reason why the person left your company?

4. Would you be able to describe his roles and responsibilities during his/her tenure in your organization?

5. Can you describe about the employee’s performance as a (job position)?

6. Was there any issue regarding about his attitude that we need to be aware of?

7. Are you willing to accept this former employee working with your organization again?

8. Are you able to describe his relationship with other peers, colleagues and superiors? Did he get along well with others?

9. I can see that he worked here for 4 years without any promotion. Is there any reason to this?

10. In your own observation, which are the areas of work and job functions he can do most effectively?

11. I can see in his resume that he oversaw 2 subordinates while working in your company. How do you rate his supervisory and leadership skills?

12. Will you be recommending this person for a position with another organization?

13. What are the person’s areas that you feel can or should be improved?

14. By a rating between 1 and 5, with 1 the lowest, how would you rate the person’s attribute in terms of – a) Attitude, b) Punctuality, c) Work Commitment, d) Leadership and e) Crisis Management?

15. What were his major achievements, contributions and accomplishments to your company?

16. Has the person been subject to any disciplinary action before?

17. How was his approach in solving tough and challenging problems?

18. What management style do you think will bring the best out of him? What would motivate him?

19. How do you think his suitability of him for the (job title) position in our company? Should we consider him?

20. Is there any final words or advice you want to give us about your former employer?

Other posts you may want to read:

1. 20 Questions a Job Candidate Can Ask
2. 20 Interview Questions for Product Engineer
3. Employment Letter Sample – Confirmation
4. Resignation Letter Sample (Unhappy)
5. 5 Samples of Job Interview Essays
6. Sample Reference Letter – Employment
7. Important Questions While Looking For A Job
8. What Makes Best Companies to Work for?

Author's bio: Zul is the founder and principal contributor for the SKOR Career blog. He is the author of two books, The Malaysian Job Seeker's Dilemma and Buat Duit Tanpa Kerja Makan Gaji (How to Make Money Without a Job), available in major book stores nationwide. You can reach him at zulkiflimusa[at]gmail.com.