Department of Pediatrics Reference Check Questions

NOTE: This document contains a comprehensive list of reference check questions. You should narrow down the list to those questions that are most relevant to the position that you are filling.

Candidate’s Name: ______Date of Reference:______Reference’s Name: ______Company:______

1. How long have you known or worked with (name) and in what capacity?

2. What are/were the candidate’s general responsibilities?

3. How would you describe the overall quality of the candidate’s work? Can you give me some examples?

4. Based on what I have told you about this position (requires that you briefly describe position), would you recommend this candidate for this type of position?

5. Do you know the reason (name) left your organization?

6. Describe his/her relationships with coworkers, reporting staff (if any), and supervisors.

7. What attitude and outlook did the candidate bring to the workplace? 8. Tell me about the candidate’s most important contributions to the achievement of your organization’s mission and goals.

9. What would you say are the candidate’s strengths?

10. What areas would you say the candidate needs to further develop (weaknesses)?

11. How would you describe the candidate’s ability to communicate?

12. Describe the candidate’s productivity, commitment to quality and customer orientation.

13. How does the candidate handle pressure/deadlines?

14. Did the candidate have good attendance? Was the candidate punctual?

15. Would you rehire this person?

16. Do you have any additional information to share with us about this candidate?