Requesting Employer References for New Employees
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. Information requested in the reference includes details 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 which will have been within a CV, a job application form or during an interview.
Each employer is likely to have their own policy in respect of how much information they are willing to provide in replying to a request for an employer reference. Providing false or misleading information can have legal and ethical implications. It important that priority is given to accuracy, fairness and objectivity when seeking as well as providing references. Guidance notes and a policy on giving references will provide an outline of what to expect in a reply to a request for a reference as well giving a reference, and can be downloaded from Providing Employment References.
Hirers should ensure that they have obtained the explicit consent of the candidate so that they send a reference request to former/current employers.
Please click on the links below to download the relevant templates to help manage the process of obtaining references.
Requesting Employer References for New Employees is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.