8 min read

5 Free Reference Check Templates You Can Use Today

Hiring a new person is a big step for your business. You want to make sure you pick the right person for the job. Often, a resume and an interview do not tell the whole story. You need to talk to people who have worked with the candidate before. This is where reference checks come into play.

Using free reference check templates can make this task much easier for you. These tools help you ask the right questions every time. When you use the same questions for every candidate, you can compare them fairly. Refhub wants to help you make these choices with confidence.

5 Free Reference Check Templates You Can Use Today

Why Reference Checks Matter for Your Team

A reference check is your last chance to verify facts before you make a job offer. You can find out if the person was a good worker. You can also learn how they get along with others. Without a good plan, you might forget to ask an important question. This could lead to a hiring mistake.

Bad hires cost a lot of money and time. They can also hurt the mood of your current team. By using professional HR templates, you lower the risk of a mistake. You get a clear picture of how the candidate will act in your office.

The Benefits of Using Standardized Forms

When you use a standard form, you treat everyone the same way. This is very important for fairness. It also helps you stay organized. You can keep all your notes in one place. This makes it easy to show your boss or your team why you chose a certain person.

You can find a high quality template library to help you get started with these forms. Having a library of options means you can pick the best form for each specific job.

Template 1: The General Professional Reference Form

This is the most common type of form. You can use it for almost any office job. It focuses on basic work habits and skills.

Dates of employment: Confirm when they started and ended.
Job title: Make sure their role matches what they told you.
Reason for leaving: Find out why they moved on.
Strengths: Ask what the person does best.
Weaknesses: Ask where the person needs to grow.
Re-hire status: Ask if the manager would hire them again.

This form is simple and fast. It gives you the facts you need to move forward.

Template 2: The Leadership and Management Reference Check

When you hire a manager, you need to know more than just their work habits. You need to know how they treat people. These referee forms should focus on leadership.

Team size: How many people did they lead?
Conflict handling: How do they deal with upset employees?
Goal setting: Did they help their team reach their targets?
Communication: How do they share news with their team?
Mentoring: Did they help others grow in their careers?

A manager has a big impact on your company. Use this template to make sure they have the right people skills.

Template 3: The Entry-Level and Graduate Reference Form

Sometimes a candidate does not have much work history. In this case, you might talk to a teacher or a person from a volunteer group. This template helps you look for potential.

Reliability: Did they show up on time for class or meetings?
Learning speed: How fast do they pick up new ideas?
Attitude: Are they positive and ready to work?
Teamwork: How do they act in a group setting?
Deadlines: Did they finish their work on time?

These questions help you see if a new worker has the right foundation to succeed.

Template 4: The Technical and Specialist Reference Form

For some jobs, skills are the most important part. If you are hiring a coder or a bookkeeper, you need to know they can do the work.

Software use: Which tools did they use every day?
Accuracy: How often do they make mistakes?
Problem-solving: Can they fix things when they go wrong?
Training: Did they stay up to date with new technology?
Quality of work: Was their work better than average?

This form helps you confirm that the person actually has the skills listed on their resume.

Template 5: The Phone Reference Check Script

Sometimes you want to talk to a referee on the phone. This can help you hear the tone of their voice. A script keeps you on track so you do not get distracted.

Introduction: Tell them who you are and why you are calling.
Permission: Ask if they have ten minutes to talk.
Open questions: Ask questions that start with "How" or "Why."
Listening: Take notes on what they say and what they do not say.
Closing: Thank them for their time.

A phone call can give you more detail than a written form. Use this script to stay professional.

Best Practices for Using Referee Forms

To get the most out of your free reference check templates, follow these simple rules:

Get permission: Always ask the candidate before you call their references.
Be polite: The referee is doing you a favor. Be kind to them.
Be consistent: Use the same form for every person applying for the same job.
Stay legal: Only ask questions about the person's ability to do the job.
Take notes: Write down the answers right away so you do not forget.

"Download our top-performing templates to standardize your referencing." This will help you keep your process the same every time.

Common Questions About Reference Checking

How many references should I check? Most companies check two or three references. This gives you a balanced view of the candidate. If one person says something bad and two people say something good, you have more context.

What if a referee will only give dates of work? Some companies have a policy to only give dates. If this happens, try to find a different reference. You can also ask the candidate for a different person to talk to.

Should I check references before or after the interview? It is best to check them after the interview. This way, you only spend time checking the people you actually want to hire. It saves you time and keeps the process moving.

Can I use these templates for remote workers? Yes. These forms work for any type of worker. For remote staff, you might want to add a question about how they manage their time without a boss in the room.

Are these forms free to use? Yes. You can find many options that do not cost any money. These help you stay professional without spending your budget.

Making Better Hiring Choices Every Time

Finding the right person for your team is a big task. You do not have to do it alone. By using a clear system, you make the work easier for yourself. Reference checks are a powerful tool to help you see the truth. They show you the person behind the resume.

When you use the right referee forms, you remove the guesswork. You can look at the facts and make a smart choice. This leads to a better team and a more successful business. Take the time to set up your process now, and you will see the results in every new hire you make.

Get Your Reference Check Tools Now

You are ready to start hiring better. Having the right tools makes all the difference. You can find everything you need to check references the right way. Do not wait until you have a pile of resumes to look at. Prepare your system today so you are ready when the right person comes along.

Use our free reference check templates to build a team you can trust. With these HR templates, you can move through your hiring process with ease. Start using these forms today and see how much better your hiring can be.

‍