What Is a Reference? How to Establish It in a Company

A reference is a person—typically a former manager, colleague, or mentor—who provides insight into a candidate's skills, performance, and work behavior to help HR specialists make informed hiring decisions.

Selecting the right candidate requires HR specialists to weigh several factors, and reference checking is one of the most valuable. Reference checks are usually carried out with managers and colleagues who have previously worked with the candidate. This is why researching and verifying references is a critical step in identifying the most suitable person for a job position.

During the reference check phase, HR specialists should prepare specific questions for the references a candidate submits. This article explains what a reference is and how the reference process should be established within a company.

What Is a Reference?

A reference is another person who, within the framework of human resources, provides feedback about a candidate going through the recruitment process. References are usually managers or experts who can evaluate the candidate's competencies and performance based on past work experience. Candidates without professional experience often rely on internship supervisors or school trainers as references instead.

How to Do a Reference Check?

Reference checking is a distinct phase of the recruitment process. As an HR specialist, you can contact people familiar with the candidate's previous job or educational experience—covering performance, potential, and competence. Depending on the position and candidate, you can tailor the reference check process according to your company's HR policies and procedures.

Providing clear information about the role and the type of candidate you're looking for helps the reference give more relevant feedback. Listening carefully, asking targeted questions, and gathering thoughtful answers are essential parts of a strong reference check. While the conversation centers on the candidate, it's also important to protect your employer brand throughout the interaction. Staying positive and professional with the reference reflects well on your organization.

What Questions Can Be Asked During a Reference Check?

The questions an HR specialist asks may vary depending on the position and the reference. Beyond standard questions, you can add specific queries about points you want to clarify regarding the candidate.

Standard questions typically used in a reference check include:

• Responsible jobs in the candidate's past experience
• The candidate's relationship with the manager and colleagues
• Candidate's starting and leaving dates
• The candidate's reason for leaving the job
• Candidate's job performance and competencies
• The candidate's work discipline and compliance with internal rules
• Suitability of the candidate for the position being considered

How Should Reference Control Be Established Within the Company?

While reference control plays a key role in identifying the right candidate, conducting it manually at companies with high hiring volumes can waste significant time. This is why new-generation solutions are needed to increase the efficiency of this process.

In addition to solutions that streamline recruitment processes, Sorwe offers reference applications for open company positions through its Bringo tool. Current employees can suggest suitable candidates by sharing open positions on their social media accounts, reducing the workload of the reference control process and saving valuable time. You can contact us for more detailed information about Sorwe recruitment solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reference in recruitment?

A reference is a person, usually a former manager or colleague, who evaluates a candidate's competencies and performance during the recruitment process.

Who can act as a reference for a candidate without work experience?

Candidates without work experience often use authorities from internship companies or school trainers as references.

What questions should be asked during a reference check?

Common questions cover the candidate's responsibilities, relationships with managers and colleagues, employment dates, reason for leaving, performance, discipline, and fit for the new position.

Why is reference checking important for HR specialists?

It helps HR specialists verify a candidate's past performance and suitability, ensuring a more informed and accurate hiring decision.

How can companies make reference checks more efficient?

Companies can use digital HR tools, such as Sorwe's Bringo, to let employees refer candidates directly, reducing the time and workload of manual reference checks.