What’s an Employment Reference Check and Why it Matters

Reference checks can be used for various reasons such as checking employment references, verifying academic history, or getting feedback on work performance. These checks are one of the most important steps in the hiring process. They allow employers to verify the credentials of applicants and find out if they have a history of bad behavior. This helps them make better decisions about who to hire and discover other potential candidate issues that might affect their business.

Reference checks can be conducted on the applicant’s social media profiles, in-person interviews, or even by calling previous employers.

However, with the growing use of social media recruiting and online applications, employers need to have an effective and efficient approach on how they conduct reference checks. It can be difficult for employers to know where to start in conducting checks so we are providing some tips on how to conduct the reference check and what questions you should ask.

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How Does an Employment Reference Check Work?

The process starts by asking the candidate if they have any questions about the position and if they can provide a list of references. The employer will then ask for a copy of their CV and cover letter. After that, the employer will send an employment reference request form back to them with instructions on what information should be included in their reference form.

Employers often specify what information should be included in their references, such as name, address, phone number, and email address. They may also ask for specific information such as dates of employment or salary history. In addition to this, employers often require a background check before allowing you to work at their company.

What are the questions to ask when checking an applicant's employment references?

The questions to ask when checking an applicant's employment references are:

1. What type of work did the applicant do?
2. Did the applicant do any writing-related work?
3. What was the name of the company, and what was its industry?
4. When did they leave that company, and why were they let go?
5. How long were they there for?
6. What is their level of education, and what is their professional experience in general?

Here is a list of reference check questions to ask for a more informed hiring decision.

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When is the Best Time to Check an Employee's References?

When checking an employee's references, it is important to do it before making a final decision or the signing of the employment contract. Doing this will allow you to make informed decisions that are based on facts rather than assumptions.

The best time to check an employee's references is when you are screening them, either before or after their first job interview. This will allow you to see if there are any red flags or warning signs that would indicate that you should not hire the person.

There are also some companies who don't want to wait for the employee to provide their references. Instead, they would like to check the references before hiring them.

Can employers check employment references without consent?

Employers are able to check employment references without consent, but there are a few exceptions. Employers cannot ask for information that is protected by the law or that would violate an individual's privacy.

Employer's can also check work references without consent if the employer has a good faith belief that the individual might be an employee of a competitor and it is necessary to protect the employer's business interests.

There are certain limits on how employers can use this information. They cannot use it for discriminatory purposes or to discriminate against someone in hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation decisions.

Learn more about Background Check Laws here.

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What are the Types of Reference Checks?

Reference checks are divided into two types: pre-employment and post-employment. Pre-employment reference checks are done before an employee starts working for a company (sometimes during early onboarding) and post-employment reference checks are done after an employee has already started working for a company.

They can be done through different methods such as phone, email, social media and a face-to-face meeting. The type of platform used depends on the type of reference check being conducted and the extent to which it is required.

Why should you Consider Hiring a Background Check Company to do the Reference Checks for you?

Background checks can be a time-consuming process and can lead to many hours of work. To make sure that you are efficient in conducting your checks, you can consider hiring a background check company to do the reference checks for you.

It is important to find a reliable background check company who has experience in this field and has a good track record. You should also ask them about their pricing structure so that you know what they will charge for your project.

Background check companies can help you find out what kind of references they will need to talk with before they do any further research on the candidate. They are also able to provide information about their candidates’ educational history, criminal history, and more.