--- title: [Real Life HR] What Employers Need to Know Before Implementing Reference Checks description: Learn best practices for implementing reference checks in your hiring process, from obtaining candidate permission to documenting conversations... image: https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/blog%20stock%20frame%20(13)-1.png --- Start typing and press Enter to search * * # [Real Life HR] What Employers Need to Know Before Implementing Reference Checks [Home](https://www.ahola.com/) » [News & Events](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-what-employers-need-to-know-before-implementing-reference-checks) » [Real Life HR] What Employers Need to Know Before Implementing Reference Checks [2026-01-05%2020:24:57](2026-01-05%2020:24:57) ![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/blog%20stock%20frame%20(13)-1.png) ## [Real Life HR] What Employers Need to Know Before Implementing Reference Checks By [ Ahola Corporation ](https://blog.ahola.com/author/ahola-corporation)  Posted [ January 5, 2026](2026-01-05%2020:24:57)  In  [Human Resources](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/human-resources), [Employees](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employees), [Hiring](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/hiring) - - - - - # **Q: What should I be aware of before implementing reference checks into my company’s hiring process? ** **A:** Many organizations utilize reference checks during the [hiring process](https://blog.ahola.com/hiring-tips-for-small-businesses) to confirm information presented by the candidate or to gather additional information that may assist with selecting the right candidate. Although reference checks are not required, there are several best practices to keep in mind before you start conducting them. - Always get permission from candidates prior to contacting references. This can be part of your application (a simple yes/no question), or you can ask for a list of professional references to contact later in the process. - Determine the point in the interview process when you want to conduct reference checks—for example, as the final step before making an offer or before onsite interviews. Ensure you conduct reference checks at the same point in the process for all candidates. - Stick to job-related questions and have your questions ready when you call. Be mindful that many organizations will only confirm job titles and dates of employment. Avoid asking about [salary ](https://blog.ahola.com/salary-negotiation-checklist)history, as this is illegal in many states and is not a best practice even where it is permitted. - Document your conversations and keep the notes with your other interview materials. By following these suggestions, you will be on your way to appropriately incorporating reference checks into your hiring process. *This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.* ### Reply a Comment ## RELATED POSTS [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/FORM%20I-9%20image%20%20(1).png) ](https://blog.ahola.com/increase-in-i-9-audits-how-to-stay-prepared) [[Real Life HR] Increase in I-9 Audits: How to Stay Prepared](https://blog.ahola.com/increase-in-i-9-audits-how-to-stay-prepared) [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/training.png) ](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-required-to-pay-for-employee-training) [[Real Life HR] Required to Pay for Employee Training?](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-required-to-pay-for-employee-training) [![](https://blog.ahola.com/hubfs/us%20immigration.jpg) ](https://blog.ahola.com/can-you-ask-applicants-about-their-immigration-status) [[Real Life HR] Can You Ask Applicants About Their Immigration Status?](https://blog.ahola.com/can-you-ask-applicants-about-their-immigration-status) ## SUBSCRIBE ### Recent posts - [Professionalizing HR Without Losing Your Family Culture ](https://blog.ahola.com/professionalizing-hr-without-losing-your-family-culture) - [Why Encouraging Employees to Take Summer Vacation Benefits Your Workplace ](https://blog.ahola.com/why-encouraging-employees-to-take-summer-vacation-benefits-your-workplace) - [Ahola Named a 2026 Top Workplace — Six Years Running! ](https://blog.ahola.com/ahola-named-a-2026-top-workplace) - ### Topics - [Affordable Care Act (13)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/affordable-care-act) - [Benefits (223)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/benefits) - [Cybersecurity (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/cybersecurity) - [Employee Engagement (255)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employee-engagement) - [Employees (603)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/employees) - [Family Business Insights (10)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/family-business-insights) - [Hiring (282)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/hiring) - [Human Resources (645)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/human-resources) - [Laws/Policies (26)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/laws-policies) - [Managing COVID-19 (153)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/managing-covid-19) - [News Release (56)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/news-release) - [Offboarding (3)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/offboarding) - [onboarding (7)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/onboarding) - [Payroll (428)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/payroll) - [Recruiting (142)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/recruiting) - [Safety (121)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/safety) - [Tax Compliance (230)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/tax-compliance) - [Time & Attendance (124)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/time-attendance) - [Training & Development (214)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/training-development) - [Trending Topic (75)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/trending-topic) - [Uncategorized (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/uncategorized) - [Webinars (69)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/webinars) - [Workers Comp (1)](https://blog.ahola.com/tag/workers-comp) [see all topics](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-what-employers-need-to-know-before-implementing-reference-checks#) ### GENERAL DISCLAIMER This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and cannot constitute legal advice, because the authors are not licensed attorneys. Readers should not rely or act upon any information presented on this blog without seeking professional legal counsel. The views expressed in each post are those of the author, and the author alone; they are not the views of Ahola. The information provided in this blog is general, and based on information available as of the date of publishing. Information herein is provided on an “as is” or “as available” basis; we make no warranty of any kind to you regarding the information provided and disclaim any liability for damages from use of the blog or its content. Please consult an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular question or issue. 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