Employment Reference Check Services

Reference verification serves as a vital component of the employment screening process. Professional reference verification — conducted by phone or in writing via email — helps you confirm important employment details about job candidates.

During an employee reference check, a professional interviewer can verify employment with a specific company, as well as the dates of employment. Positions held, eligibility for re-hire and reasons for separation from the company may also be verified during a reference interview.

In some instances, a specialty reference check may be warranted, such as a DOT Prior Employment Verification. This is a combination of a past employment verification and a personal reference check that is required for transportation companies that are regulated to comply with DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.25.

Benefits of Verifying Employee References

Professional reference check services are a vital part of the hiring process, helping employers gather relevant reference information and ensure informed hiring decisions. While an employment verification confirms facts like job title and dates of employment, a professional reference check goes further—offering valuable insight into job performance, employee relations, and overall workplace behavior.

Informed Decision-Making

Employment reference checks allow prospective employers to evaluate a candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and compatibility with the company culture. A comprehensive reference check process includes asking former employers and colleagues specific reference check questions designed to uncover qualities like honesty, accountability, and collaboration.

This depth of insight helps confirm whether a candidate will be a good fit and supports better employee retention strategies over time. Employment reference check results often uncover strengths and weaknesses that may not surface in an interview or resume review, improving hiring decisions. Reference checking also provides a more personal perspective on how a candidate contributes to team dynamics, manages stress, and handles responsibilities under pressure.

Risk Mitigation

A reliable reference checking service helps organizations avoid the risks associated with negligent hiring. By thoroughly checking references, companies can uncover potential red flags—such as gaps in employment history, misrepresented responsibilities, or concerns about prior job performance—that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Background check results combined with employment reference data give employers the tools to manage workplace safety, reduce liability, and ensure each hire supports a healthy work environment. Properly vetting candidates through professional reference check services is a vital part of any risk management strategy in hiring.

Quality Assurance

Professional reference check services play a crucial role in validating a candidate’s claims. With each employment reference check, employers confirm that the individual’s reported experience, qualifications, and job title align with reality. This accuracy is essential for building a high-performing team and improving long-term hiring outcomes.

Whether assessing a professional reference or a personal reference, checking references reinforces your commitment to due diligence throughout the hiring process and supports consistency across hiring standards. Employers also benefit from hearing about a candidate’s accomplishments, growth potential, and readiness to take on new responsibilities.

Key insights gained through reference checking services may include:

Communication and interpersonal skills
Primary motivation and drive
Strength of team collaboration
Leadership potential and problem-solving ability
Adaptability, professionalism, and overall job performance

By integrating professional reference checks into your background check procedures, your organization takes a proactive step toward hiring integrity, workforce reliability, and long-term employee success.

Choosing a Reference Checking Service

Global Verification Network uses modern communication methodologies to streamline the reference gathering and checking process. Our QuikVerify email verification system offers a seamless user experience. All reference requests are customized with client-specific questions that are emailed directly to the reference. The Global Verification Network screening system then gathers and reports results in a timely manner.

Our professional reference checking services provide more in-depth information about the applicant than you get from traditional interviews and employment checks. We contact background check references, such as former supervisors, co-workers and colleagues to round out your employment screening process.

While we customize our questions to meet your needs, examples of questions that we typically ask may include:

How long have you known the applicant?
In what capacity do you know the applicant?
What is your overall opinion of this person?
What are the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses?
Does the applicant exhibit good moral character?
What is the applicant’s work style?
Is the applicant a team player?
Can you depend on the applicant?
Does the applicant have a good work ethic?
Would you choose to work with this applicant again?

Compliance and Ethical Considerations

At Global Verification Network, we understand that reference checking is not only about gathering useful information. It’s also about doing so responsibly and ethically. From conducting background checks to reviewing employment references, we prioritize full compliance with employment law and uphold the highest ethical standards.

FCRA Compliance

All reference checking services we provide are conducted in full alignment with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This includes obtaining the necessary written consent from candidates, providing proper disclosures, and ensuring candidates have the opportunity to respond to any adverse findings.

Following FCRA guidelines protects both the employer and the prospective employee, maintaining transparency, trust, and fairness in the hiring process. Global Verification Network’s thorough understanding of FCRA regulations ensures every reference check is legally sound, accurate, and fully documented.

Ethical Standards

Our reference checking process emphasizes confidentiality, professionalism, and respect. Whether we’re contacting a former employer for an employment reference or speaking to a personal reference, every interaction reflects our core values of honesty and ethical hiring practices.

Our employment reference check services are designed to protect the privacy of all parties involved and promote transparent communication. By maintaining ethical standards in every reference check, we support HR compliance, reduce bias, and build credibility in your hiring decisions. Ethical reference checking helps protect the company’s reputation and fosters stronger employee trust from day one.

Through our ethical approach to reference checking and background verification, Global Verification Network helps businesses stay compliant while making responsible, confident hiring choices.

Our ethical and compliance-based approach supports:

Responsible employment verification
Transparent reference check procedures
Respect for candidate rights
Stronger HR compliance frameworks
Fair, accurate, and legally sound hiring outcomes

Work With a Reputable Reference Verification Service

Reference check companies (also known as Consumer Reporting Agencies or CRAs) can help make your employment screening process more thorough. By conducting a pre-employment reference check, you take an important step toward verifying details that may not be available through other methods.

Professional Employment Reference Check Services