Reference Checks
Structured interviews with former supervisors, coworkers, and personal references that reveal what a resume can't.
Go Beyond the Resume
A reference check is one of the most powerful tools available to hiring managers — yet it's often one of the most underutilized. Research Services conducts structured, professional reference interviews that go well beyond a simple employment confirmation, uncovering insights about a candidate's character, reliability, and fit. Reference checks work best as part of a complete screening program alongside criminal background checks and employment verifications.
Our researchers contact former supervisors, coworkers, and personal references designated by the candidate, asking consistent, job-relevant questions and documenting responses in a clear, objective report.
- Former supervisors, coworkers, and personal references
- Structured, consistent interview questions
- Professional written report of responses
- FCRA-compliant reporting
Turnaround Time
Reference checks are typically completed within 1–4 business days, depending on the availability and responsiveness of listed references.
Our researchers make multiple contact attempts and document the outcome of each attempt, so you always know what was and wasn't reachable.
1–4 Business Days
What Reference Checks Reveal
Attendance habits & reliability
Team compatibility & interpersonal skills
Strengths & areas for development
Rehire eligibility & departure context
Character & integrity indicators
Leadership qualities (supervisory roles)
Ability to handle stress or conflict
Overall recommendation for the role
What Our Interviewers Cover
Employer & Contact
We confirm who we spoke with, their title, and direct contact information for your records.
Job Title & Employment Dates
We verify the position held and dates of employment as reported by the reference — flagging any discrepancies with what the candidate provided.
Work Ethic
"How would you describe this person's overall work ethic and initiative on the job?"
Attendance
"Were there any concerns with attendance, punctuality, or reliability during their time with your organization?"
Reason for Exit
"Can you share the circumstances under which they left the organization?"
Rehire Eligibility
"Would you rehire this individual if the opportunity arose? If not, can you share why?"
Strengths & Development
"What would you say are this person's greatest strengths, and where did you see the most room for growth?"
Overall Recommendation
"Would you recommend this individual for a role that requires [role-relevant responsibilities]?"
Additional Comments
We give every reference an open opportunity to share anything else they feel is relevant to the candidate's qualifications or character.
Types of References
Professional References (Supervisors): Former direct managers or supervisors who can speak to performance, conduct, and work quality. These are the most informative references for most roles.
Professional References (Coworkers): Former peers who can speak to teamwork, communication, and day-to-day working style — valuable for collaborative roles.
Personal References: Non-professional contacts who can speak to character, reliability, and personal integrity. Often used for entry-level roles or to supplement professional references.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many references do you contact?
We contact as many references as you require. Most employers request 2–3 professional references per candidate. We make multiple contact attempts for each reference and document the outcome of every attempt.
What if a reference won’t respond?
We make multiple contact attempts by phone and, where available, email. If a reference remains unresponsive, we reach out to you as well — in case you have an alternative contact or a backup reference you’d like us to try. Every attempt is documented, and you receive a complete report showing each reference contacted and the outcome.
Can you customize the reference check questions?
Yes. Our standard interview covers work ethic, attendance, job title, employment dates, reason for leaving, rehire eligibility, and overall recommendation. If you have role-specific questions or topics you want added, we can incorporate them into the interview.
What is the difference between a reference check and employment verification?
Employment verification confirms factual data — dates of employment, job title, and work history. A reference check goes further by interviewing former supervisors, coworkers, or personal references to gather qualitative insight into a candidate's character, work ethic, attendance, and fit. The two are complementary and are often ordered together.
Are reference checks FCRA compliant?
Yes. Reference checks conducted by Research Services are FCRA-compliant consumer reports. Standard FCRA requirements apply — permissible purpose, candidate disclosure and authorization, and adverse action procedures if the results are used to make an adverse hiring decision.
How long does a reference check take?
Most reference checks are completed within 1–4 business days, depending on the availability and responsiveness of the listed references. We make multiple contact attempts and keep you updated on progress.