Reference Checks

When evaluating prospective candidates for hire, it is vital to substantiate all claims made by applicants to help achieve an ideal fit between the candidate, position, and company. The forms provided in this section are designed to assist employers in conducting effective reference checks that can add valuable information to a candidate's profile.

Special Note: Be sure to obtain written authorization from a candidate prior to conducting any reference checks. As a general rule, information obtained and requested through the pre-employment process should be limited to that which is essential for determining if a person is qualified for the job. Federal law (as well as the law of most states) prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability and other factors. Be sure to treat candidates equally and avoid any questions which may be construed as discriminatory. In light of potential liability issues, it is common for a former employer to provide a neutral reference in which the employer merely affirms that the employee worked for the employer during certain dates and held a specific position.