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.