Previous and current employers can often provide information about an applicant's employment background that will aid you in making a decision about your current job opening. The Telephone Reference Check form will help you when conducting these checks. Should you have any questions or need assistance in the reference check process please contact your Recruitment Specialist.
Checking References
In general, it is inappropriate for a prospective employer to ask questions of a former employer to provide information about an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. Do not discuss anything with references that you could not discuss with the applicants themselves.
The reference check should attempt to obtain the following information:
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Name
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Employment date
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Position title
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Position duties
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Beginning and ending salaries
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Training completed
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Job performance, including performance strengths and weaknesses
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Whether the employer would rehire the applicant
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Verification of any required license, certification or degree
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Reason(s) for the candidate leaving his/her current position
Information obtained during the reference check process is confidential. According to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia, 2.2 - 3800), agencies are not required to share this information with the applicant. All materials related to reference checks should be sent to Human Resources (MSC 7009) where they will be maintained for the appropriate amount of time. Refer to Policy 1109-Records Management.
