Run reference checks that reveal useful information
A reference check question set, call guide, and summary template focused on job-relevant evidence rather than polite generalities.
The prompt
Help me run reference checks for a finalist.
Role and key competencies: [LIST]
Open questions from interviews: [e.g. "how they handle conflict", "depth of people management"]
References I have: [relationship to candidate - e.g. former manager, peer, direct report]
Format: [phone / video / online form]
Candidate consent obtained? [yes / no]
Give me:
1. A 2-minute call opening that sets context and confidentiality.
2. 8-10 questions tied to the competencies and open questions. Use behavioral questions that ask for examples, plus a calibrating question (e.g. "Compared to others you've managed in this role, where would they rank?" and "Would you hire them again? Why?").
3. Follow-up probes for vague or overly positive answers, and signs to listen for (hesitation, faint praise, avoiding a question).
4. A summary template: Competency | Evidence from reference | Consistent with interviews? | Concerns.
Rules: only ask job-related questions; never ask about health, family, age, religion, or other protected characteristics; get the candidate's consent first; and check local laws on references and data handling. Base the summary only on what references actually said.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore HR & Hiring prompts
What to fill in
- LIST
- e.g. "how they handle conflict", "depth of people management"
- phone / video / online form
- yes / no
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the Few-Shot structure (Few-shot prompting). A few-shot prompt includes one or more worked examples of the input and the output you want, so the model can copy the pattern instead of guessing it.
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