Contacting Personal References of Employment Applicants

When contacting a personal reference supplied by a potential employee, it is important to ask the right questions. Presumably, no one is going to give you the name of a person who will provide a negative reference. In light of that fact, it pays to focus the questions asked on the suitability of the individual for the specific position to be filled. It is all too easy for a reference to discuss what a great person the applicant is.

[Date]

[Personal Reference]

[Street Address]

[City, State and Zip Code]

Re: Reference for [Applicant] [Include Social Security Number or provide information supplied by applicant for identification purposes.]

Dear [Reference]:

The above-named individual has applied for employment with our business and has named you as a reference. In order to make an informed hiring decision, we need to know the applicant's work/educational history and personal qualifications or fitness for employment. A release permitting you to provide the following information has been signed by the applicant and a copy is attached. Any information that you give will be held in the strictest confidence. Please verify by answering the following questions:

How long have you known [Applicant]?

What is the nature of your relationship?

Why do you think [Applicant] would be a good choice for this position?

Do you know of any reasons that could prevent [Applicant] from performing the functions of the position?

Information furnished by:

Signature:

Date:

Thank you for your cooperation and prompt response.