QUALITY REFERENCE CHECK

OV E R V I E W : This Quality Reference Check template will aid hiring managers in conducting reference checks
for candidates being considered for employment in a way that increases hiring precision and ensures a can-
didate is the best fit for the role.

I N S T R U C T I O N S : Complete this questionnaire as you’re discussing the background and experiences of the
candidate being considered for employment with the provided reference.

Candidate: Position interviewed for:

Reference: Company:

Telephone: Date: Title:

Person conducting the reference check:

What is / was your professional relationship with [candidate name]?

What was his / her title and job responsibilities?

Were there any discrepancies between expectations and [candidate name] job performance?

Did he / she interact well with management? Peers?

Are there any notable accomplishments he/she made during his/her tenure?

THRIVE: THE LEADER’S GUIDE TO BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE

Is he/she someone who consistently exceeds performance expectations? Can you give an example when they
displayed performance excellence?

Can you comment on his/her integrity?

What are examples of activities, actions, or behaviors that tended to derail or adversely challenge him/her?

What are his/her strongest attributes?

Why did he/she leave your company?

Would you re-employ [candidate name] if you had an opening?

[Candidate name] is interviewing for the [role title] at our company. The role entails [briefly describe re-
sponsibilities]. Do you think he/she would be successful in this position?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

THRIVE: THE LEADER’S GUIDE TO BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE