Reference checks

Reference checks

TEF conducts reference checks. Conducting reference checks via email is fine if the reference's email address looks legitimate (i.e. no emails to someone's personal email, like "bob123@aol.com," please). If the email address looks a bit dodgy, conduct the reference check via phone. Use your judgement. If you are calling the reference, make sure you check his/her location (it will be listed on the applicant's online application form) to call at an appropriate time.

Questions to ask

The questions you ask via email or phone will of course depend on the applicant's background and on his/her relationship to the reference, etc. You will obviously have to adapt the questions to fit the applicant's situation. Here's an example email template with questions you might want to ask:

Email title: Request for reference check

Dear [name of referee],

This is [your name] from The English Farm, an online English school for business professionals. I work in the Human Resources Department and [applicant's name] has recently applied and interviewed to work for us. I am conducting reference checks and he/she has listed you as a reference. I understand that you have worked with [applicant's name] at [place of employment] / I understand that you were [applicant's name] supervisor at [place of employment], etc.

Would you mind answering a few questions about [applicant's name]? 

  1. When did [applicant's name] work for your company?
  2. How does/did [applicant's name] relate to his peers, professors, students, managers, colleagues, etc.? 
  3. How would you rate [applicant's name]'s professionalism and punctuality?
  4. How is [applicant's name]'s quality of work and work ethic?
  5. Would you recommend [applicant's name] as an English teacher?

This information will of course be held confidentially. 

Thank you so much for your time! 

Take care,

[Your name]

How many reference checks?

Ideally, it is best to get in touch with all listed references. Sometimes getting in touch can be difficult as people might on holiday, etc. Therefore, at least one reference must be reached before the applicant can be hired. 

Sharing reference check notes

Please share any emails and notes from reference checks in the TEF Applications, Interviews and Hiring Skype thread.

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