As the job interview is the first interaction between the company and the applicant, it is only proper for both sides to try to get as many facts about each other – as well as trying to decipher whether the information given is factual or not.
Because of the simple reason that the company is better known than the individual and that the individual requires the job, it is only logical that he/she is the one to provide the proper references for their job.
Reference checking: References Checks Questions
List for Checking References: Professional and Personal
One should get ready to provide his or her references list upon request during a job interview.
The reference list for job interview is pretty simple -
The interviewer would want three to four references: 2-3 to backup your professional background, if you have been working for a while or 2-3 to back up your personal or academic background (that is if you haven’t gained professional experience yet and you apply for an entry level position).
When it comes to professional references, the interviewer would normally require references that you have reported to directly or people whom you’ve worked intensively, such as: customers, professional colleges and service providers.
Once these references are listed, you can be sure that you have all the documentation required for your interview.
Refer to the article: Job Reference: Examples of Job References list.
Tips to Remember for the Employment Reference Check
You may want to ensure that the reference answers match yours and to verify that you and your reference are providing the same work history and abilities.
Therefore, coordinate with your references the questions to expect, refer to - Reference Checking: References Questions – Reference Check Form.
When you prepare the reference check list of your professional background, give the last preference to your friends who are working with you or to colleagues who have became your fast friends.
If the interviewer knows that the reference is your friend, he or she will take the information with a ‘pinch of salt’.
How much ever careful you or your friend is, it will eventually come out that you are friends.. This fact may create a scenario where the interviewer will rethink about hiring you.
If you cannot help but give friends as references, make it a point to tell the interviewer that the reference is a friend whom you’ve met during the course of your job. In that case, the reference sheet should therefore have people from your immediate workplace as well as people with whom you have worked previously too.
Reference check questions – how to answer Interview Reference check Questions
Unfortunately, this is one part of the application process where you do not have any hold on.
The interview questions for reference checks will be asked by the interviewer to the person whom you have named as the reference. At the most, you can tell the person to answer the questions asked in a subtle and neutral manner.
The reference checking questions that will be asked will be both of a professional level as well as a personal manner.
These questions will be aimed at finding out your ease at your day to day work as well as assessing your skills, professionalism and your relationship with direct managers and co-workers.
Also, the interviewer will try to gauge whether the person answering the questions is biased to the applicant/candidate concerned.
