# 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.

- Topic: HR & Hiring
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: HR & Hiring, Analyze, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/run-reference-checks-that-reveal-useful-information

## Prompt

```text
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.
```

## What to fill in

- LIST
- e.g. "how they handle conflict", "depth of people management"
- phone / video / online form
- yes / no

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.