SAMPLE REFERENCE CHECK QUESTIONS
The resource listed below is intended as a sample and may be adapted to meet style and use needs
REFERENCE CHECK FOR:
Name/Title of Contact:
Conducted by: Date: / /
(Name) is a candidate for (Title) . S/he has given your name as a reference.
I. PAST PERFORMANCE
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How long have you known (Name) and in what capacity?
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How would you describe the quality of his/her work?
II.
COMPETENCY AND EXPERIENCE
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(Describe the Position) In considering him/her for this position, what are strengths demonstrated in the past? Areas of concern or that need further development?
Determine 5-7 required competencies for the position. Ask specific questions related to required competencies, i.e., assess his/her use of technology in his/her job; assess his or her financial experience as related to budget forecasting; or, assess his or her experience in team-building.
III.
ALIGNMENT WITH ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND GOALS
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How would you describe his/her ability to work in teams? to lead teams? to develop
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 team members? (Teamwork)
What can you tell me about his/her (fill in required experience) ; particularly in a
University?
Describe his/her communication and interpersonal skills. How has she/he demonstrated positive regard for others in the workplace? (Respect)

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Describe his/her career path within your organization. What professional development steps did he/she undertake to enhance skills? (Learning)
How would you describe his/her management style and/or working relationships? With direct reports, if applicable? With colleagues? With customers? (Trustworthiness)
Describe a time when he/she resolved a problem or approached an issue by utilizing a diversely represented group of team members/ colleagues/ students/employees.
Evaluate the success of that experience. (Diversity)
IV.
SUMMARY/CLOSING
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If you were providing a performance evaluation of him/her today, what would you share? What performance issues need attention?
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If you were conducting a search for this position, would you consider him/her for this position? Why?
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If given the opportunity, would you hire him/her back in your organization at a later date? Why? If so, in what capacity?
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What else do we need to know about this candidate? Additional comments you would like to share, in confidence?