Reference Check

Validate fit and surface blind spots before you make the offer. Start with context, ask for behavior, capture notes consistently.

Candidate

Role they're applying for

Reference name

Their relationship

Date of call

Conducted by

Context set

What you told them about the role

Always frame the role before asking questions. Their answers will be more specific and useful if they understand what you're hiring for.

Strengths

Behavior examples — what they did well

Ask for specific examples, not general impressions. "Tell me about a time they had to navigate a difficult stakeholder" lands better than "were they good with stakeholders?"

Development areas

What they're still working on

Press here. Most references default to positives unless you create space for honest reflection. Try: "If you were their manager again, what's one thing you'd work on with them?"

Working style

How they operate day-to-day

What kind of environment do they thrive in? How do they handle pressure, feedback, ambiguity? Does that fit how your team works?

Overall read

Your recommendation after this call

Based on what you heard — does this reference strengthen or complicate the case for hiring?

Saved