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  • Recruitment & Hiring
  • Candidate Review & Selection
  • Checking References

Checking References

Sample Versions

Download sample documents under Tools & Templates to create your own personalized version of recruiting letters, forms, and candidate assessment tools.

It is essential to check references on all candidates who are serious contenders for a position. The best predictor of future success is past performance. Check a minimum of three supervisory references for each candidate, including current supervisor.

Make reference calls as early as possible, without jeopardizing the candidate's current employment.

  • Request the candidate provide you a list of at least three professional references. (At minimum, one reference should be a former/current supervisor.)
  • Schedule a mutually convenient time for the phone call.
  • Prepare specific questions. Use the Telephone Reference Check as a guideline.
  • Clarify the reference's working relationship with the candidate and his/her role in the organization.
  • Look for a balanced assessment (positives and negatives) of the candidate.
  • Listen carefully. Sometimes you can obtain certain information without asking.
  • Take notes.

Managers

  • Recruitment & Hiring
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      • Assessing the Job Description
      • Identifying Key Qualifications
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Human Resources

Duke Human Resources
705 Broad St. Box 90496
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 684-5600
Have questions?

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