Conducting Reference Checks

Conducting Reference Checks

What are reference checks and why are they useful?

Reference checks are one of the most important steps in the hiring and selection process.  A well-formed reference checking process can provide a glimpse into a person's background through interviews that can offer specific feedback about their performance as well as perceptions about their knowledge, skills and attitudes.  By asking specific, open-ended questions, information and insight can be obtained about a potential employee that can serve well when making a final selection decision and forming their professional growth plan.

Reference Check Questions

These are examples of possible reference check questions.  They may be used for both certified and classified staff.

• What was your relationship with the candidate?

• How long did you work with each other?

• What were their main responsibilities?

• Were they dependable? Did they get to work on time?

• Did they complete the tasks and assignments given to them?

• Did they take direction well?

• Were they willing to learn new techniques?

• How did they support coworkers? Are they able to  build strong working relationships with peers?

• Why did they leave their position?

• What are their strengths? 

• What are their weaknesses? 

• How did they get along with other people? 

• Do they have good communication and listening skills?

• Were there any behaviors that affect job performance?

• Did they require supervision or work well independently?

• How did the candidate handle work-related stress?

• How do you feel this candidate will work with students? 

• How does the candidate respond to feedback?

• Would you re-hire the candidate if you had the opportunity to?

• What else is important to know about this candidate that we have not already talked about?

• Are they able to improve student academic performance?

• Are they able to differentiate instruction to reach all learners?

• Are they able to adapt to change?

• Do you know of any reason why this candidate should not work with children?

• Ability to analyze data to adjust teaching

• Can they assume the role of a teacher-leader

• How well do they respond to crisis situations?

• Are they an active member of the community? 

What question shouldn’t you ask for a reference? 

What can you legally say in a reference check?

The answer comes in two parts. The first part is that the only questions a reference should ever answer are ones about job performance – and nothing else. The second part is a reference can say anything he or she wants to say – as long as it is (1) true or (2) an honestly held opinion.  (Example of honest opinion - I thought he had a lot to learn about delegating responsibility instead of trying to do it all himself,” and that’s the reference’s honestly held opinion, again, there’s no reason not to say so.

*Barada Associates – Rushville, IN