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Original
2026-01-01
Modified
2026-02-28
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>A professional reference check involves contacting a candidate’s previous employers, teachers or professors at an educational institution, or other professional references to learn more about the performance, work ability, and character of the individual. This is done by asking a series of open-ended questions, either by phone or email, designed to provide additional insight about the applicant. Employers can contact references directly or partner with an employee reference check service, like Checkr, to conduct the interviews.</p>
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<p>A professional reference check involves contacting a candidate’s previous employers, teachers or professors at an educational institution, or other professional references to learn more about the performance, work ability, and character of the individual. This is done by asking a series of open-ended questions, either by phone or email, designed to provide additional insight about the applicant. Employers can contact references directly or partner with an employee reference check service, like Checkr, to conduct the interviews.</p>
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<p>Employers may wish to include a professional reference check as part of a comprehensive background screening, which may include a criminal background check, driving record search, or credit history. It may also involve employment verification (also called employment reference checking) which refers to the process of contacting only previous employers to verify the candidate’s job titles and employment dates.</p>
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<p>Employers may wish to include a professional reference check as part of a comprehensive background screening, which may include a criminal background check, driving record search, or credit history. It may also involve employment verification (also called employment reference checking) which refers to the process of contacting only previous employers to verify the candidate’s job titles and employment dates.</p>
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<h2>What questions should be asked during a professional reference check?</h2>
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<h2>What questions should be asked during a professional reference check?</h2>
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<p>Employers are able to determine what to ask in a reference check, but the purpose behind the questions is the same: to gain information for a better understanding of the candidate. The reference check is typically performed by the employer, hiring manager, or recruiter. Employers may also use an employee reference check service, like Checkr, to conduct reference checks.</p>
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<p>Employers are able to determine what to ask in a reference check, but the purpose behind the questions is the same: to gain information for a better understanding of the candidate. The reference check is typically performed by the employer, hiring manager, or recruiter. Employers may also use an employee reference check service, like Checkr, to conduct reference checks.</p>
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<p>Before discussing a candidate’s professional experience, the reference may be asked introductory questions about the individual. These questions may include:</p>
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<p>Before discussing a candidate’s professional experience, the reference may be asked introductory questions about the individual. These questions may include:</p>
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<ul><li>What is the nature of the relationship with the candidate?</li>
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<ul><li>What is the nature of the relationship with the candidate?</li>
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<li>How long have you known the individual?</li>
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<li>How long have you known the individual?</li>
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<li>Would you recommend them to an employer? Why or why not?</li>
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<li>Would you recommend them to an employer? Why or why not?</li>
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</ul><h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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</ul><h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Once the employer understands the personal side of a candidate, they may ask additional questions related to the candidate’s work ethic and qualifications, including:</p>
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<p>Once the employer understands the personal side of a candidate, they may ask additional questions related to the candidate’s work ethic and qualifications, including:</p>
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<ul><li>What was/is the candidate’s job and nature of their abilities?</li>
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<ul><li>What was/is the candidate’s job and nature of their abilities?</li>
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<li>How would you describe their job experience, including strengths and weaknesses?</li>
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<li>How would you describe their job experience, including strengths and weaknesses?</li>
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<li>How did they get along with their associates?</li>
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<li>How did they get along with their associates?</li>
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<li>How did they show initiative on the job?</li>
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<li>How did they show initiative on the job?</li>
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<li>When they begin a task, would you say they carry it through to completion?</li>
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<li>When they begin a task, would you say they carry it through to completion?</li>
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<li>What could they do to improve their job performance?</li>
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<li>What could they do to improve their job performance?</li>
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<li>In your opinion, have they ever shown a propensity for violence or dishonesty in the workplace?</li>
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<li>In your opinion, have they ever shown a propensity for violence or dishonesty in the workplace?</li>
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</ul><h2>How should a reference check be conducted?</h2>
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</ul><h2>How should a reference check be conducted?</h2>
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<p>Employers may conduct reference checks on their own or partner with a reference check company, like Checkr.</p>
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<p>Employers may conduct reference checks on their own or partner with a reference check company, like Checkr.</p>
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<p>If you choose to<a>conduct reference checks on your own</a>, the process typically involves requesting a list of references from the candidate and obtaining permission to contact them, then scheduling time with each to discuss the questions.</p>
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<p>If you choose to<a>conduct reference checks on your own</a>, the process typically involves requesting a list of references from the candidate and obtaining permission to contact them, then scheduling time with each to discuss the questions.</p>
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<p>While conducting a reference check is relatively straightforward, working with a reference check company may ease the administrative burden on your HR team. With Checkr, third-party researchers conduct the outreach and reference checks, saving you valuable time. Our advanced platform and automated processes streamline compliance, while our easy-to-use online portal keeps applicants updated throughout the process.</p>
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<p>While conducting a reference check is relatively straightforward, working with a reference check company may ease the administrative burden on your HR team. With Checkr, third-party researchers conduct the outreach and reference checks, saving you valuable time. Our advanced platform and automated processes streamline compliance, while our easy-to-use online portal keeps applicants updated throughout the process.</p>
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
25
<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<h2>How can you stay compliant with professional reference checks?</h2>
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<h2>How can you stay compliant with professional reference checks?</h2>
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<p>Employers using a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr, to run background checks during the hiring process have a responsibility to ensure a fair and respectful process for the candidate, and to comply with various laws and regulations that govern employment screening. This includes the federal<a>Fair Credit Reporting Act</a>(FCRA), which requires disclosure and authorization before the background check process begins. Employers must inform the candidate that they intend to run a background check and obtain the candidate’s permission to do so.</p>
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<p>Employers using a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr, to run background checks during the hiring process have a responsibility to ensure a fair and respectful process for the candidate, and to comply with various laws and regulations that govern employment screening. This includes the federal<a>Fair Credit Reporting Act</a>(FCRA), which requires disclosure and authorization before the background check process begins. Employers must inform the candidate that they intend to run a background check and obtain the candidate’s permission to do so.</p>
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<p>For reference checks, also known as investigative consumer reports, an additional, special disclosure is required under the FCRA. The employer must provide certification that they have provided special disclosure language to the candidate regarding the investigative consumer report.</p>
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<p>For reference checks, also known as investigative consumer reports, an additional, special disclosure is required under the FCRA. The employer must provide certification that they have provided special disclosure language to the candidate regarding the investigative consumer report.</p>
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<p>If the results of a background check, including the reference check, prompts a decision to deny employment, the FCRA requires employers to follow specific<a>adverse action</a>steps.</p>
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<p>If the results of a background check, including the reference check, prompts a decision to deny employment, the FCRA requires employers to follow specific<a>adverse action</a>steps.</p>
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<h2>Get a professional reference check with Checkr</h2>
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<h2>Get a professional reference check with Checkr</h2>
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<p>Professional reference checks are a helpful tool for informed hiring decisions. At Checkr, reference checks can be run as standalone screenings or as part of a comprehensive<a>background check</a>. In addition to employer reference checks, Checkr offers a number of background check services, including<a>criminal background checks</a>, driving record checks, employment and education verification, and drug testing. With Checkr’s advanced platform and automated workflows, you can efficiently and confidently scale your team-<a>get started</a>today.</p>
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<p>Professional reference checks are a helpful tool for informed hiring decisions. At Checkr, reference checks can be run as standalone screenings or as part of a comprehensive<a>background check</a>. In addition to employer reference checks, Checkr offers a number of background check services, including<a>criminal background checks</a>, driving record checks, employment and education verification, and drug testing. With Checkr’s advanced platform and automated workflows, you can efficiently and confidently scale your team-<a>get started</a>today.</p>
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
33
<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
34
<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
34
<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<h2>Disclaimer</h2>
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<h2>Disclaimer</h2>
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<p>The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.</p>
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<p>The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.</p>