What are references on a background check?

A reference check is when an employer contacts a job applicant’s previous employers, schools, colleges, and other sources to learn more about his or her employment history, educational background, and qualifications for a job.

Do background checks require references?

Employers commonly ask interviewees to submit references at the point of the interview or afterward. Reference checks are used to verify a candidate’s employment history and to confirm basic experiences and accomplishments.

What questions does HireRight ask references?

Standardized Reference Check Questions:

• What was the working relationship you had with this person? Length of time worked with?
• How would you describe their interpersonal skills?
• What would you say motivated the individual most?

How many references will an employer check?

three references
Most employers will ask for three references in total, and two should be professional references who can speak about your work history and job-related skills, and vouch for your ability to perform well in this next job.

Do employers actually check references?

Do employers always check references? Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, most do. If you’re about to begin a job search, you should expect to have your references checked.

What happens if HireRight can’t verify references?

If employment cannot be confirmed by the verifying party within five (5) business days in the United States or seven (7) business days elsewhere, the applicant will be contacted for additional information, documentation or clarification, unless client guidelines state otherwise.

What can HR say in a reference?

You should only provide information concerning job-related details in a reference. You shouldn’t discuss personal details about an employee, which can include references to her race, religion, age or disability status.

Who should I put as my references?

Who Should I List (or Not List) as a Reference?

• Your current manager or supervisor.
• Your prior managers or supervisors.
• Your current peers or clients (if you’re interviewing for a client-facing role)
• Your prior peers or clients.
• Your personal references or friends who will vouch for you.