UD Jobs - University of Delaware

Reference Checking Guidelines

Check 2-3 professional references (current supervisor/previous employers).
Contact reference(s) by phone.
When contacting the reference, identify yourself, where you work, your position,
the nature of your call and the identity of the candidate.
Inquire if this is a convenient time for them to respond to reference questions.
Assure the reference that all discussions will be held in strict confidence.
Outline the requirements and duties of the position for which the candidate is being
considered so that the reference can organize their responses.
Be consistent, ask the same questions of each reference.
Disregard any information that is not job related.
If you receive a negative reference, evaluate the information carefully: is it job-related?
Ask the reference if you may call back if you have additional questions.
Thank the reference for their time and cooperation.

Is reference in a position to evaluate candidate's performance?
What are the dates of employment?
What position(s) have been held?
What are the requirements, duties and skills of this position?
How would you rate the candidate's performance (excellent/satisfactory/poor)
and why?
What are the candidate's strengths? Weaknesses?
How does this candidate interact with peers?
Can you provide examples of how this candidate is self-motivated and/or
takes initiative?
Can you provide an example of how the candidate used time effectively?
Were assignments completed on time?
Can you describe the candidate's oral and written communication style?
Would you select this candidate to be part of a team to assist with critical projects?
Why/Why not?
How does this candidate handle pressure/stress?
How would you rate this candidate's computer/technical skills?
Can you please comment on any additional job-related information of which we
should be aware?
If applicable, why did the candidate leave?
Is the candidate eligible for rehire?