a reference check

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reference check" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is generally used in the context of a job search, where a potential employer may ask to contact previous employers or colleagues to verify the quality of a job applicant's work. For example, "I'm applying for a new job, so I'm expecting a reference check from my previous employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The art of a reference check is aligning a candidate's interest with yours and making sure the reference understands that.

The New York Times

"When you leave the car to go back to your car to do a reference check, you don't know what is happening in that car.

The Guardian

Companies like References-etc., Badreferences.com and Allison & Taylor Inc. will provide a reference check report for a fee between $50 and $90.

The New York Times

She said that at the moment, beyond calling previous employers for a reference check, hospitals have no way of knowing whether a technician has previous violations.

The New York Times

"An extraordinarily dangerous practice -- if human resources does a reference check and dates don't check out, you won't get the job," said Arnold Huberman, who heads Huberman Associates, a New York recruiter for the public relations and marketing industry.

The New York Times

Then talk about strengths you had — like being a team player, having a good attitude, meeting deadlines — and ask if your manager could stress those characteristics in a reference check.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If you do offer a payment plan, charge an acceptable finance fee perhaps 1.5% a month, or 9% a year and establish a reference checking policy.

Forbes

BRYAN TRABOLD Boston, Dec. 19, 2012 To the Editor: New York City requires applicants for a gun permit to have an in-person interview by a police officer, a thorough reference check and a written application in addition to the standard federal background checks.

The New York Times

Some agents charged a separate reference check fee, while others rolled it into the administration fee.

The Guardian

A credit reference check will show up if anyone has applied for credit in your name.

The Guardian - Money

For a quick reference, check out this chart comparing the features of the two apps.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a "reference check", provide the reference with specific information about the role and responsibilities to ensure relevant feedback.

Common error

Avoid asking overly generic questions during "a reference check". Instead, focus on specific skills and experiences relevant to the job requirements to get insightful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reference check" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the act of verifying an individual's background through provided references. Ludwig examples show its use in the context of hiring processes and security clearances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reference check" is a common noun phrase that describes the action of verifying an individual's background. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure you're adhering to legal regulations and ethical practices. Alternative phrases include "checking references" or "performing a background check", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

checking references

Focuses on the action of checking rather than the check itself.

performing a background check

Broader in scope, potentially including more than just references.

verifying credentials

Highlights the validation aspect of the process.

validating employment history

Specifically addresses the verification of past jobs.

assessing qualifications

Emphasizes the evaluation of skills and suitability.

investigating work history

Implies a more in-depth examination.

contacting previous employers

Describes the direct act of reaching out for information.

seeking professional feedback

Focuses on obtaining opinions from professional contacts.

conducting due diligence

Formal term for thoroughly investigating a candidate.

confirming candidate's background

Highlights the act of confirming the information provided by the candidate.

FAQs

How to use "a reference check" in a sentence?

You can use "a reference check" to describe the process of verifying a candidate's qualifications and past performance, as in "The company will conduct "a reference check" before making a final hiring decision."

What's the difference between "a reference check" and "a background check"?

"A reference check" focuses on verifying information provided by the candidate through their references, while "a background check" may include criminal history, credit reports, and other public records.

What can I ask during "a reference check"?

You can ask about the candidate's strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, and overall performance in their previous roles. Be sure to ask open-ended questions to gather detailed insights.

Is it legal to conduct "a reference check"?

Yes, it is generally legal to conduct "a reference check" as long as you comply with applicable laws and regulations, such as obtaining the candidate's consent and avoiding discriminatory practices.