EDITOR'S POST
What questions will be posed to my references?
Q. What questions will be posed to my references?
A. You can expect a background checker to contact all of your recent
places of work (usually the h.r.) and ask these question to
verify your employment history:
- your title and dates of employment
- your manager's name and title
The people you give as references may be asked about some of the
following:
- your technical knowledge
- your speed and thoroughness
- your attendance and punctuality
- your ability to get along with people/work in a team
- your ability to work independently
- your communication skills
- any deficiencies/suggestions for improvement
- whether they would rehire you
If a recruiter is calling, he may ask:
- if he can use this evaluation for other clients he submits you to
- if they're looking to hire anyone.
You should contact your references in advance and explain
carefully who will be calling, why, and what should be left
unsaid. Provide them with a copy of your resume. If your job
search is proving to be lengthy, check periodically to make sure
they are still willing to be called. You may also ask a friend
to call and pretend to check your references. The rehire
question is important. A reference may give glowing descriptions
of your technical abilities, then say you wouldn't be rehired
because you quit without notice.
Some organizations have a policy of confirming the job title and
dates of employment, but refusing to answer any other questions.