Reference Check Questions

Example Questions – Generic

Before using any of these specific questions, be sure they relate to requirements for the position you are recruiting.

Describe the position applied for, and then ask: “Can you address your experience with this individual in such an environment or with these types of tasks?

We work in a fast-paced environment responsible for processing a high volume of forms to meet weekly deadlines combined with more project-oriented tasks and many interruptions. Can you address your experience with this individual in such an environment?

Can you speak to the quality of their work: their attention to detail; level of accuracy; need to review work; repetitive errors, etc.? OR — Was this individual responsible for carrying out repetitive laboratory procedures and if so, were they able to do so consistently accurately and efficiently?

Describe applicant’s ability to appropriately prioritize work and how s/he has handled conflicting deadlines or competing demands.
OR — can you talk about his/her initiative and how independently they are able to keep themselves and their work organized to ensure they are following through on everything in a timely way, juggling many tasks simultaneously?

As I mentioned, this individual would be working as a member of a 10-person team and part of an office of 30-40 staff with whom we work closely. Given this type of environment, can you talk about how you think they would function both in terms of:
1. staying focused and producing accurate work,
2. being able to be responsible for their own work, but also sensitive to the needs of the entire unit which may require setting aside your own work to help others?

We are governed by a myriad of changing regulations, policies, and procedures that one needs to stay familiarized with to a great extent and/or be able to locate information to provide interpretations and other information quickly and accurately. Can you describe how this individual has or would perform in this area?

Can you give some examples of his/her ability to recall and relay information clearly and concisely?
ALSO — does s/he easily understand new information and have good recall for consistently following and communicating directions, policies, procedures?

Can you provide an example of a project where s/he was responsible for analyzing, developing, and recommending or implementing a solution?

Would you describe his/her interpersonal skills with respect to customer-orientation, problem-solving, working with diverse individuals, dealing with difficult people, etc.?

Given the volume of our work and the need for consistency and timely follow-through to meet weekly deadlines, it is crucial s/he be punctual in arriving to work in the morning and after lunch, have regular and consistent attendance, and be flexible to work some additional time occasionally during peak periods. Has this individual had any difficulties adhering to this type of schedule?

Has s/he consistently handled confidential information appropriately?

Can you describe this individual’s experience working as a member of a team?

Was this individual able to work independently and accomplish tasks without close supervision? Can you describe their ability to solve problems and handle difficult situations independently?

Would you summarize what you see as this individual’s strengths and weaknesses?

Is there anything else you would like to add that is important for me to know or that you would have liked to have known before hiring this individual?

Would you rehire this individual?

If we hired this individual and six months from now you heard that it hadn’t worked out, what do you think would most likely have been the reason?

Is there anything else you would like to add that is important for me to know or that you would have liked to have known before hiring this individual?