You think you’ve found the right candidate for your open position, so now it’s time to check references. What’s the best way to get the information you need? Start by soliciting feedback from colleagues who interviewed the candidate and asking what their concerns are. Their answers should form the basis of your questions. At the outset of the call, describe the job you’re trying to fill and its challenges. If the referee has seen the candidate perform in similar circumstances, ask: What were her responsibilities? What did she do? How did she do it? What were the results? Inquire about the candidate’s soft skills with questions like: What can you tell me about this person’s self-awareness? How motivated is she? Is she empathetic? If speaking to a referee proves challenging, look for not-obvious references by identifying people in your network who also know the candidate.
Adapted from, "The Right Way to Check Someone's References," by Rebecca Knight
