Guidelines for Reference Checking

Use the following checklist to help you check references:

Tell each applicant that no employment offer will be made until satisfactory reference checks are made.
Call or write to each reference given. If you are not going to check references, do not ask for them.
If you don't get a response to a written request to a local employer, call them. The conversation may reap more information than a letter would anyway, although you should be aware that many employers are reluctant to disclose much about a former employee because they are afraid of being sued, too.
If you request references in writing, include a signed release by the job applicant permitting the information you want to be given out.
Document all information that you receive.
Also document unsuccessful tries at gathering information, to protect yourself from negligent hiring claims.
If the former supervisor won't tell you anything, record the fact that he or she refused to give any information about why you shouldn't hire the applicant.
If you can't get the requested information from references, ask the job applicant for more information or to clear the way for you with the references he or she gave.
Don't make a job offer until you've completed your reference checking.

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