What Do Employers Ask Your References?

What Hiring Managers Really Want to Learn Before Making a Job Offer

Wondering what employers ask your references? Learn the most common reference check questions, why employers ask them, and how to choose references who strengthen your job application.

Direct Answer

Employers ask references questions to verify your work history, evaluate your job performance, understand how you work with others, and reduce hiring risk before extending a job offer. Most reference checks focus on confirming information you've already provided while helping employers determine whether you're likely to succeed in the position.

For many job seekers, the reference check feels like the final hurdle before receiving a job offer.

It can also be one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process because you don't know exactly what will be discussed.

Will they ask about your performance?

Your attendance?

Your personality?

The good news is that most reference checks are straightforward.

Employers aren't usually looking for perfection.

They're trying to confirm that hiring you is a sound decision.

Understanding what employers typically ask your references can help you choose the right people, prepare them for the conversation, and avoid surprises during the hiring process.

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If you're preparing for the hiring process, these articles provide helpful background:

Why Employers Check References

Hiring the wrong person is expensive.

A poor hiring decision can result in lost productivity, additional recruiting costs, disrupted teams, and the need to repeat the hiring process.

Reference checks help employers reduce that risk.

Rather than relying solely on interviews and resumes, employers seek additional perspectives from people who have worked with you professionally.

Most reference checks are intended to confirm what the employer already believes—not to uncover hidden problems.

Do Employers Actually Call References?

It depends on the employer and the position.

Some organizations contact references for nearly every professional hire.

Others only perform reference checks for final candidates.

For executive, management, healthcare, education, government, and positions involving significant responsibility, reference checks are often a standard part of the hiring process.

Even when employers don't contact every reference, you should always assume they might.

Choose your references carefully and ensure they're prepared to speak about your work.

Common Questions Employers Ask References

Although every employer has a different process, many reference conversations include similar questions.

Common questions include:

How do you know the candidate?
How long did you work together?
What were the candidate's primary responsibilities?
What were the candidate's greatest strengths?
How would you describe their work ethic?
How well did they work with others?
How did they handle challenges or pressure?
Would you hire this person again?
Is there anything else we should know?

Notice that most questions focus on performance, professionalism, and reliability rather than personal opinions.

What Employers Can't Ask Your References

Many job seekers assume employers can ask references anything they want.

In reality, many employers limit reference checks to reduce legal risk and ensure the conversation remains job-related.

Policies vary by employer and jurisdiction, but many organizations instruct managers to confirm only basic employment information such as:

Job title
Dates of employment
General job responsibilities
Eligibility for rehire (when company policy permits)

Some companies choose not to discuss performance at all.

Others allow managers to answer broader questions, provided their responses are truthful, job-related, and consistent with company policy.

Because these policies vary, don't assume every reference check will follow the same format.

How to Choose the Right References

Choosing the right references is almost as important as preparing for the interview.

Whenever possible, choose people who have directly observed your work.

Strong references often include:

Former supervisors
Managers
Team leaders
Professional mentors
Long-term clients
Senior coworkers who worked closely with you

Avoid selecting someone simply because they have an impressive title.

A supervisor who knows your work well is usually a stronger reference than a senior executive who barely remembers you.

Quality matters more than status.

Prepare Your References Before They Receive the Call

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is listing references without telling them.

Always contact your references before providing their names.

Let them know:

The position you're pursuing.
The company that's hiring.
Why you're interested in the opportunity.
The skills you hope they'll emphasize.
When they might receive a call.

This isn't about telling someone what to say.

It's about ensuring they aren't caught off guard and can speak accurately about your work.

Prepared references usually provide more thoughtful and detailed recommendations.

What If a Reference Doesn't Know You Well?

Not every former manager is the best reference.

If someone only supervised you briefly or had little interaction with your work, they may struggle to answer questions confidently.

It's usually better to choose someone who has firsthand knowledge of your performance than someone with a more impressive title but limited familiarity with your work.

Employers value credible, specific examples far more than vague praise.

Can You Use Coworkers Instead of Managers?

Yes—sometimes.

If a former manager is unavailable or company policy limits manager references, a senior coworker, project lead, or long-term client may be an appropriate alternative.

However, when an employer specifically requests a supervisor or manager, you should explain your situation honestly if providing one isn't possible.

Whenever practical, follow the employer's instructions regarding the type of reference they prefer.

Common Reference Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

Listing references without asking permission.
Choosing people who barely know your work.
Providing outdated contact information.
Forgetting to tell references about the position.
Assuming every former supervisor will automatically give a strong recommendation.
Using personal references when professional references are requested.
Waiting until the last minute to contact your references.

A strong reference isn't simply someone willing to answer the phone.

It's someone who can confidently explain why you would be an asset to another employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a former coworker as a reference?

Yes, if the employer permits it.

A coworker who worked closely with you and can speak about your skills, work ethic, and professionalism may be a valuable reference.

However, if an employer specifically requests a supervisor or manager, try to provide one whenever possible or explain why you cannot.

Should I tell my references they're being contacted?

Absolutely.

Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference and let them know when they may receive a call.

Provide a brief overview of the position, the company, and the skills you hope they'll discuss.

This helps your reference provide thoughtful, accurate, and relevant information.

Can a reference prevent me from getting hired?

Potentially, yes.

If a reference raises serious concerns about your performance, honesty, reliability, or ability to perform the job, it may influence the employer's decision.

However, most employers evaluate references alongside interviews, resumes, background checks, and other information.

One reference rarely determines the outcome by itself.

If you're concerned about this possibility, read Can a Bad Reference Cost You a Job Offer?

What if I don't have many professional references?

If you're early in your career or changing professions, consider people who have supervised your work in other professional settings.

Depending on the employer, acceptable references may include:

Former supervisors
Team leaders
Clients
Internship supervisors
Volunteer coordinators
Professional mentors

Choose people who can honestly discuss your work, reliability, and ability to contribute.

Final Thoughts

Reference checks are one of the final steps in many hiring decisions, but they shouldn't be a source of unnecessary anxiety.

Most employers aren't trying to uncover hidden problems.

They're confirming that the person they interviewed is likely to succeed in the role.

The strongest references are people who know your work well and can describe your contributions with confidence and specific examples.

Throughout my years in technical staffing, I found that reference checks rarely changed the outcome for an outstanding candidate. More often, they reinforced the positive impression the employer had already formed.

Choose your references carefully, keep them informed, and treat them as an important part of your professional network.

A well-prepared reference can strengthen the confidence an employer already has in hiring you.

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