Reference Checking Form

Reference checking template for hiring new employees
You can use this template to help you check your applicants references when you are hiring for
a new job. Reference checks can help you verify the claims made by applicants in their
interview and help you make more informed hiring decisions.
Suggested steps for checking references

For more information on hiring a new employee, see our Hiring employees online learning
course at fairwork.gov.au/learning. For information about minimum employment rights and
entitlements you can also call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au.
Step 1: Obtain referee details from your interviewees or shortlisted applicants

At the interview stage, ask your applicants for referee details and get their permission to contact them.
Referees are usually past or current employers of the applicant, but they can also be anyone who is
able to provide details about the persons character, education or suitability for the job. Be aware that
some applicants may be reluctant to have their current employer know that they are applying for
another job.
Step 2: Decide what you want to ask the referees

Before you contact the referee, you should check what factors you need to check first. Are there any
particular aspects of their application or their interview that you want to verify? Do you have any
concerns about the applicants suitability that the referee may be able to provide clarification on?
You can use the below to assist you with compiling your questions. The template has been colour
coded to assist you to complete it accurately. You simply need to replace the <red> writing with what
applies to your employee and situation.
Step 3: Contact the referees

Think about the best time to contact the referees. For some referees you may need to consider
arranging a specific time to talk where they wont be busy and will have time to think about their
answers.
Step 3: Choose a successful applicant

Use the information that youve collated during the reference check, as well as their interview and
application, to help you pick the best person for the job.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing you with advice that you can rely on.
The information contained in this template is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can
call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or a workplace relations professional.
Reference Check
Applicant:
Date:
Position applied for:
Phone:
Referees details:
Title:
Reference check conducted by:
Introduction
My name is <your name> and Im calling to conduct a reference check for
<name of applicant> who is being considered for a position with my
business <name of business>. Your details have been provided to me by
<applicants name> and I would first like to check if you are prepared to
provide a reference?
Yes
No
The reference check will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Is

this a good time for you? If not, when is a convenient time for us to
continue this conversation?
Call back
Proceed
Please note that this reference will be used in the overall evaluation of the
applicant and will affect whether they are selected for the job. The
information you provide may be given to the candidate if requested, Do I
have your permission to proceed?
Yes
No
<Briefly explain the responsibilities of the job and the factors you will be
assessing through the reference check>
General questions
What is the nature of your relationship
with the applicant?
In what capacity is/was the applicant
employed by your business?
What were the dates of their
employment?
What duties and responsibilities
does/did the applicant have?
What the applicants reason for
leaving?
General performance questions
How would you describe the

applicants overall work performance?
What would you say are the applicants
strengths?
What would you say are the applicants
development areas (eg. weaknesses)?
From:
To:
Have you had any concerns with their

performance?
If yes, please explain when these
issues were identified? When were
they discussed with the individual?
What work are their doing to improve
and what progress has been made?
Can you comment on the applicants:
-
reliability
punctuality
attendance
professionalism
<insert other factors where
relevant>
Job-specific questions
<In this section, you should prepare
your list of questions based on the
skills or attributes required for the job,
for example:
In this role, the applicant is required to
be very well organised and be able to
manage a very busy office.
Please describe <applicants name>
ability to organise their workload?>
In closing
Would you re-employ the applicant?
Why/why not?
Do you have any final comments?
Thank you for taking the tame to
provide feedback. If you wish to
provide any further information, you
can contact me on <your contact
details>.

Reference Checking Form

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What steps are involved in checking references?

What information should be obtained from referees?

Reference checking template for hiring new employees

Suggested steps for checking references

Step 1: Obtain referee details from your interviewees or shortlisted applicants

Step 2: Decide what you want to ask the referees

Step 3: Contact the referees

Step 3: Choose a successful applicant

Position applied for:

Reference check conducted by:

The reference check will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Is

How would you describe the

Have you had any concerns with their

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