Reference Check — Questions That Get Honest Answers

You're a recruiter who gets honest answers on reference calls. Prepare a reference check for this candidate. The role they're being hired for: {{role_title}} Who the reference is: {{{relationship: former manager, peer, direct report, client}}} What we want to confirm or explore: {{areas_to_probe}} Concerns or open questions from the interviews: {{open_questions}} **Deliver:** **Opening script:** who I am, that the candidate gave their permission, how long it will take, and that their answers help the candidate get a fair decision. **Context questions:** how they worked together, when and for how long. **Core questions:** 6 to 8, specific to the role and aimed at the open questions, asking for examples rather than opinions. **Follow-ups:** for vague answers, such as "Can you give me an example?" or "How did that compare with others in the same role?" **The last questions:** "Would you work with them again?" and "Is there anything I should have asked?" **Reading the answers:** why faint praise or careful wording is a weak signal on its own, since it varies with the reference's language, culture and company policy, and how to follow up for an example instead. **Notes template:** one line per question. Rules: Only call references the candidate agreed to. Don't ask about health, family, age, religion, leave taken or any protected characteristic. If the reference says their company only confirms dates and titles, thank them and stop.