Job Reference Questions
Questions Employers Will ask Your References
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Questions a potential employer might ask one of your references:
- Can you please describe how you know the candidate? And for how long?
- What were the dates of employment?
- What was your relationship (professional or personal)?
- How would you rate the candidate's skills in _______?
- What was the candidate’s total compensation?
- What is/was the candidate’s reason for leaving the organization?
- Can you describe the candidate's communications abilities?
- How well does the candidate work under pressure?
- Can you describe the candidate's attitude toward work?
- How well does the candidate take constructive criticism?
- How well does the candidate get along with co-workers/customers/subordinates?
- Is the candidate a team player?
- How would you describe the candidate's honesty and integrity?
- Can you describe the candidate's key strengths/strong points? – Technical & Personal
- How would you rate the candidate’s growth potential?
- Can you describe the candidate's weak points? – Technical & Personal
- On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) how would you rate the candidate on:
a. Initiative d. Dependability
b. Enthusiasm e. Communications
c. Ability to work with others
( If any less than 7 – why?)
- How receptive is the candidate to new ideas and procedures?
- Given a description of the position the candidate is applying for, do you think the candidate is a good match?
- If you were in a position to hire this candidate for a similar position, would you do so?
- Can you describe the candidate's leadership, managerial, or supervisory skills?
- Do you have any additional information or comments that might help us make a better decision about this candidate?
- Ask if there is anyone else that could discuss the candidate’s employment history?
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