{"id":117340,"date":"2023-09-27T12:46:12","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T10:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/?p=117340"},"modified":"2024-04-08T12:13:01","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T10:13:01","slug":"employment-reference-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/employment-reference-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Conduct an Employment Reference Check"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring the right employees is crucial for the success of any small business. To ensure that you make the best hiring decisions, conducting an employment reference check is a vital step in the hiring process. Reference checks provide valuable insights into a candidate&#8217;s past performance and character. In this guide, we&#8217;ll explore the <strong>types of reference checks<\/strong>, <strong>how to conduct them<\/strong>, <strong>when to conduct them<\/strong>, and the <strong>legal considerations<\/strong> involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#Types-of-Reference-Checks\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Reference Checks<br \/>\n<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#Difference-between-Reference-Check-and-Background-Check\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the Difference between a Reference Check and a Background Check?<br \/>\n<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#Conduct-Employee-Reference-Checks\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Conduct Employee Reference Checks<br \/>\n<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#Types-of-Questions-to-Avoid-During-Reference-Checks\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Questions to Avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During Reference Checks<br \/>\n<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#Reference-Checks-for-Small-Business-Hiring\">Reference Checks for Small Business Hiring<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/applicant-tracking-system\">Talent Acquisition Software \u2705<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"Types-of-Reference-Checks\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/request-demo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117684\" src=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/02111850\/onboard-hire-demo-banner-300x103.png\" alt=\"onboarding hiring demo banner\" width=\"856\" height=\"294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/02111850\/onboard-hire-demo-banner-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/02111850\/onboard-hire-demo-banner-768x263.png 768w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/02111850\/onboard-hire-demo-banner.png 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Employment Reference Checks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before delving into the nuts and bolts of reference checks, it&#8217;s essential to understand the two main types: personal and professional reference checks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal Reference Checks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal references are individuals who can speak about the candidate&#8217;s character, work ethic, and <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/hr-soft-skills\/\">interpersonal skills<\/a>. They might include friends, neighbors, or anyone who has personal knowledge of the candidate&#8217;s abilities and character. While these references may not provide information about a candidate&#8217;s professional qualifications, they can shed light on their personality traits and how they interact with others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/candidate-persona\/\"><em>How to Create a Candidate Persona<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional Reference Checks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional employment references are typically former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors who have worked with the candidate in a professional capacity. These employment references can provide valuable insights into the candidate&#8217;s work performance, skills, and accomplishments. Professional reference checks are often considered the most critical aspect of the hiring process.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"Difference-between-Reference-Check-and-Background-Check\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/checklist-hiring-process\/\"><em>Checklist for a Succesful Hiring Process<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the Difference between an Employment Reference Check and a Background Check?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although both of these procedures can be viewed as part of the hiring process, a reference check and a background check are not the same thing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Reference Check:<\/strong> A reference check involves contacting provided references (like former employers or colleagues) to assess a candidate&#8217;s character and work performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Background Check:<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/background-check-for-employment\/\">background check<\/a> verifies factual information about a candidate, such as criminal records, credit history, and employment history, to uncover potential risks or discrepancies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In essence, reference checks involve personal opinions, while background checks focus on factual data. Employers often use both for a comprehensive view of candidates.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"Conduct-Employee-Reference-Checks\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Conduct Employee Reference Checks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we understand the types of reference checks, let&#8217;s explore the <strong>steps to conduct them effectively.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get Permission from the Candidate<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before contacting any references, ensure you have the candidate&#8217;s explicit consent. Candidates may want to notify their references in advance, so they are prepared for your call. This step not only demonstrates respect for the candidate&#8217;s privacy but also sets a professional tone for the reference check process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare Questions for the Employment Reference Check<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To gain meaningful insights, prepare a list of questions tailored to the specific needs of your business and the position you&#8217;re hiring for. Common reference check questions include inquiries about the candidate&#8217;s strengths, weaknesses, reliability, and ability to work in a team. These questions should be job-related and focused on the candidate&#8217;s qualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make Calls<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When conducting reference checks, it&#8217;s essential to have a conversation with the references rather than relying solely on written responses. Engage in open-ended conversations to gather detailed information about the candidate. Take notes during the call to document the reference&#8217;s feedback accurately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to Conduct an Employment Reference Check<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference checks are typically performed in the final stages of the hiring process, after initial interviews and assessments. Conducting them at this stage helps you verify the information provided by the candidate and make a more informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/request-demo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117387\" src=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123510\/documents-onboarding-demo-banner-300x103.png\" alt=\"free demo banner\" width=\"807\" height=\"277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123510\/documents-onboarding-demo-banner-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123510\/documents-onboarding-demo-banner-768x263.png 768w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123510\/documents-onboarding-demo-banner.png 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 807px) 100vw, 807px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Many Employment References to Check<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number of references to check can vary depending on your business&#8217;s requirements and the role in question. It&#8217;s common to check at least two or three professional references for each candidate. However, you may choose to check more if necessary, especially for critical positions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legal Issues Surrounding Employee Reference Checks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While reference checks are a valuable tool in the hiring process, it&#8217;s essential to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.opm.gov\/policy-data-oversight\/assessment-and-selection\/other-assessment-methods\/reference-checking\/\">be aware of legal considerations<\/a> to avoid potential pitfalls.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"Types-of-Questions-to-Avoid-During-Reference-Checks\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Questions to Avoid During Employment Reference Checks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When conducting reference checks, steer clear of questions that could lead to discrimination or violate privacy laws. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid asking questions related to a candidate&#8217;s age or birthdate. Focus on their qualifications and experience instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual Orientation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Questions about a candidate&#8217;s sexual orientation are inappropriate and can lead to discrimination claims.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family Life (e.g., Marital Status or Number of Children)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid questions about a candidate&#8217;s marital status or family life, as these can be seen as discriminatory.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Religious Affiliation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Religious beliefs are private and should not be discussed during reference checks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not inquire about a candidate&#8217;s disabilities or health conditions. Focus on their ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Race<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any questions related to a candidate&#8217;s race or ethnicity are strictly off-limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, doing reference checks is crucial for small and medium-sized (as well as large) businesses during hiring. If you use these guidelines and stay aware of legal rules, you&#8217;ll make better hiring choices that help your business succeed. Just remember, it&#8217;s best to use reference checks along with other evaluation methods to get a complete view of your potential hires.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"Reference-Checks-for-Small-Business-Hiring\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment Reference Checks for Small Business Hiring<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference checks can be valuable for small businesses, just as they are for larger organizations. Here are some reasons why small businesses should consider conducting reference checks:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Quality of Hire<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference checks can help small businesses verify the information provided by job applicants. This verification ensures that the candidate&#8217;s qualifications, skills, and work history align with what was presented in their resume and during interviews.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Character Assessment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small businesses often have a close-knit work environment where teamwork and interpersonal dynamics are crucial. Reference checks can provide insights into a candidate&#8217;s character, work ethic, and how they interact with colleagues, helping to ensure they are a good fit for the company culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Performance Evaluation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By speaking with previous employers or supervisors, small businesses can gain a better understanding of a candidate&#8217;s past job performance. This insight can be essential in making informed hiring decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mitigating Potential Risks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducting reference checks can help identify potential red flags, such as a history of absenteeism, disciplinary issues, or conflicts with coworkers. This information can help small businesses avoid hiring candidates who may pose a risk to the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Legal Compliance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring that reference checks are conducted fairly and consistently helps small businesses stay in compliance with employment laws and regulations. It demonstrates that hiring decisions are based on objective criteria and job-related factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Validation of Skills<\/h3>\n<p>In certain industries or positions, such as those requiring specific certifications or licenses, reference checks can be particularly important. They can confirm that the candidate possesses the required qualifications.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Confidence in Hiring Decisions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference checks provide an additional layer of confidence in the hiring process. They can help small businesses feel more assured that they are making well-informed decisions about who to bring onboard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/onboarding-documents\/\"><em>8 Essential Onboarding Documents for New Hires<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to know that how thorough reference checks are can change based on the job and the resources a small business has. For critical roles with a lot of responsibility, you might need to do more detailed checks. But for less high-level or entry-level positions, the checks can be less strict. In the end, no matter the size of the business, reference checks are still essential for smart hiring and reducing hiring risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/reference-letter-sample\/\"><em>HR Manager Approved Reference Letter Free Sample<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Factorial offers a comprehensive suite of HR solutions<\/strong>, including an <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/applicant-tracking-system\">ATS that streamlines the recruitment process<\/a> by automating candidate sourcing, tracking, and communication. With its <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/document-management\">Document Management feature<\/a>, Factorial provides a secure and organized repository for storing and managing important HR documents, ensuring compliance and easy access. Additionally, Factorial&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/employee-onboarding-and-offboarding\">Onboarding feature simplifies the onboarding process<\/a>, allowing companies to efficiently welcome and integrate new hires, with features such as task assignment, document collection, and training module integration, all designed to <strong>enhance the employee onboarding experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/request-demo\">Request a free demo today to learn more at your earliest convenience, no strings attached!<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/request-demo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117389\" src=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123802\/demo-general-banner-tailored-1-300x103.jpg\" alt=\"free demo hr software\" width=\"874\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123802\/demo-general-banner-tailored-1-300x103.jpg 300w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123802\/demo-general-banner-tailored-1-768x263.jpg 768w, https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/27123802\/demo-general-banner-tailored-1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiring the right employees is crucial for the success of any small business. To ensure that you make the best hiring decisions, conducting an employment reference check is a vital step in the hiring process. Reference checks provide valuable insights into a candidate&#8217;s past performance and character. In this guide, we&#8217;ll explore the types of<a href=\"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/employment-reference-check\/\" class=\"read-more\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":117342,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal-hr"],"acf":{"topics":"brand-content"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.5 (Yoast SEO v21.9.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Conduct an Employment Reference Check - Factorial<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An employment reference check should be an important part of the hiring process for all businesses. 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