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6 questions to ask references

When speaking to references, be sure to ask open-ended questions that call for in-depth answers. You can learn more from the subtext of the conversation.

Jim Korner, Assistant Vice President, Professional and Community...

February 16, 2016

1 Min Read
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When speaking to references, be sure to ask open-ended questions that call for in-depth answers. You can learn more from the subtext of the conversation, so listen for pauses, hesitation and tone to detect anything from enthusiasm to bitterness.

  1. Please verify the candidate’s dates of employment, title and role.
     

  2. Is the candidate eligible for rehire? What was the reason for leaving?
     

  3. While working with your company, did the candidate receive any advancements or promotions? If no, why not?
     

  4. What was the candidate’s beginning and ending salary? Was the candidate always eligible for salary increases when available?
     

  5. What duties were assigned to the candidate? Were they completed satisfactorily? Did the candidate go above and beyond without being asked?
     

  6. What were the candidate’s strengths? What unique skills did the person bring to your organization?

About the Author

Jim Korner

Assistant Vice President, Professional and Community...

Jim Korner’s professional experience includes 30 years of college and university administration in auxiliary services. He provides leadership to the noncredit portfolio for Penn State University’s Outreach and Online Education and also serves as an adjunct instructor for the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State. He is a graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and has a MBA from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., Korner began his food service career at Ohio University, and later became the director of campus dining services at the University of Missouri-Columbia and executive director of university services at Seattle Pacific University. He served national president of the National Association of College and University Food Service (NACUFS) in 2000. 

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