Reference Check Form

Who can use this form?

This form can be used by all employers.

Commentary

After interviewing applicants, it is recommended that you carry out appropriate reference checks to:

•     obtain a proper assessment of the applicant’s ability to perform the position;
•     verify the credentials supplied by the applicant; and
•     check the applicant’s qualifications.

It is important to ensure that the referee is in a position to give you a proper assessment of the job applicant’s capabilities for the job for which he/she has applied. Preferably, the referee should also be a person who has had recent contact with the person in a working environment. The form contains a series of questions relating to:

• the duties of the applicant’s former employment;
• the qualifications of the applicant;
• the applicant’s reasons for leaving the former employer;
• the applicant’s punctuality, attitude, and work ethic; and
• the applicant’s disciplinary record with the former employer.

There are a number of legal risks that may arise during the recruitment process, such as discrimination. Accordingly, employers need to exercise caution when recording information obtained through a reference check and then taking that information into account (eg. if a former employer says a candidate is not reliable because he/she took 'too many days off with a sick kid', this could be discriminatory). If you decide not to employ a person after receiving an unfavourable reference check, consider whether the decision might be interpreted by the applicant to be based on discriminatory grounds. If you are unsure, seek legal advice.