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OverviewConducting a reference check is a critical part of the recruitment process, and a job offer should never be extended without checking the finalist’s references. Conducting reference checks will help you make better hiring decisions as it give you a general understanding of how the candidate performed in past jobs. Past behavior is the best indicator of future performance. Finally, reference checks can help protect the significant investment a hiring department makes in any new hire by ensuring better job matches. General GuidelinesAt the University of Florida, references must be checked for every recruiting effort, regardless of whether the final candidate is an external applicant or internal university employee. According to industry experts, one-third of all resumes and applications contain material falsehoods! With this in mind, reference checking is especially important and necessary to verify that provided information is accurate.
All reference checks, whether for an external or internal candidate, should be conducted with the following guidelines in mind:
How Many Reference Checks Should Be Conducted?The recommended amount of references is three for each finalist. The providers should include current, past employers and/or professional references such as professors, teachers, or co-workers. Obtaining information from multiple references will allow you to determine whether the information provided is consistent and positive. Note any emerging patterns in terms of the comments made about the finalist. Keep in mind that the hiring department must conduct as many reference checks as necessary to account for the number of years of experience required to qualify the applicant for the position title. Consent for Reference ChecksThe application for employment includes a candidate’s written authorization that serves as consent. Additionally, the list of references provided by the candidate is also considered consent. It is recommended to inform the candidate that you will be calling his/her references. This is especially important when contacting the candidate’s current employer and references as it may impact his/her current position. Also, review the Employment History section of the application for any special request submitted by the candidate. Often times an applicant wishes that his or her current employer not be contacted until he or she is a finalist for a position. Performing Reference Checks and Experience VerificationPrior to extending a job offer, the hiring department is asked to ensure that the final candidate meets the minimum experience required for the position vacancy. This step can be completed by verifying the finalist’s dates of employment while checking references. Experience VerificationApplicants are considered qualified for a position based on information provided in their resume. The education and experience of most applicants are not verified until they have been identified as finalists for particular vacancies. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding will verify each candidate’s educational credentials and will conduct criminal background checks upon request, but it is the department’s responsibility to verify a candidate’s work experience through reference checking. Experience Verification Form and Calculator
*Use the following worksheet to calculate the amount of work experience. Frequently Asked QuestionsCan’t find the answers you’re looking for? Here are some answers to FAQs.
What do employers look for in reference checks?A reference check is when an employer contacts a job applicant's previous employers, schools, colleges, and other sources to learn more about his or her employment history, educational background, and qualifications for a job.
What do reference checks check?A reference check is when a hiring manager, employer, or recruiter contacts a job candidate's former workplace to get more information on the candidate's performance and skills. The purpose of a reference check is to ensure the candidate has the qualifications needed for the role the employer is trying to fill.
What is normally checked and verified during a reference check?Reference checks verify important employment information such as job titles, places of employment, skills, qualifications and education to ensure that the information the job candidate has provided is accurate.
How important are reference checks in the hiring process?Benefits of Reference Checking
Reference checks can: Verify information the candidate has provided. Offer additional information on a candidate's skills, performance, knowledge, and work history from a source other than the candidate themselves. Help you assess the candidate's potential for success in the position.
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