Checking referees

After a job interview, check with the applicants' referees to help you make a final decision.

Only ask referees questions directly related to the ability to do the job.  Avoid questions of a personal nature which are irrelevant to the job.

It is a good idea to:

• Prepare a set of questions based on the job selection criteria before you contact referees.
• Get reports from current or recent supervisors where possible.
• Contact at least two referees for each applicant.
• Look for consistency between referees.
• Ask for examples of how the applicant responded in specific situations relevant to the job.
• Ask a referee if they would employ the applicant again.
• Keep records of the questions you asked and the responses. 

If an applicant asks what a referee has said, refer them to the referee.