Requesting Employer References for New Employees
Requesting employer references for new employees helps hirers verify key information about a candidate’s employment history before employment begins. Used properly, reference requests can support safer recruitment and help employers check that the information provided during the recruitment process is accurate and consistent.
This collection is intended to help employers manage the process of obtaining references from a candidate’s former or current employers. It is particularly useful where the employer wants a clear record of the candidate’s consent and a standard form of reference request.
Candidate consent before requesting a reference
Hirers should ensure that they have obtained the explicit consent of the candidate before sending a reference request to former or current employers. The Reference request consent form provides a clear record of that consent.
What an employer reference request is intended to check
The responsibility for providing accurate employer references typically falls on the former employer, specifically on line managers or departments responsible for HR, personnel or employee records.
The Request For Employer Reference asks for information such as the candidate’s job title, dates of employment and salary history.
Sometimes the reference request may include job performance, responsibilities and achievements. Any reply from an employer should be checked against the details provided by a candidate in a CV, job application form or interview.
Accuracy, fairness and consent when seeking references
Each employer is likely to have its own policy on how much information it is willing to provide when replying to a request for an employer reference. Providing false or misleading information can have legal and ethical implications.
Priority should be given to accuracy, fairness and objectivity when seeking as well as providing references.
Read with guidance on providing employment references
The Providing Employment References guidance notes and policy explain what to expect in a reply to a reference request, as well as points to consider when giving a reference.
Requesting Employer References for New Employees is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.