What is a reference check?
A conversation with a former manager to verify what the candidate has said about their previous role. Usually one or two referees per past employer.
In short: A reference check is a structured conversation with a former manager. We confirm the candidate’s role, dates, and basic factual claims from their CV. We do not collect opinions; we verify the things that need a human to confirm.
What we ask referees
A typical reference check covers:
- Confirmation of role and dates
- Reason for leaving (where the referee is willing to share)
- Confirmation of key responsibilities the candidate claims
- Whether the referee would re-hire (yes/no, in some jurisdictions only)
We do not ask for:
- Personal opinions or character judgements
- Information about the candidate’s protected characteristics (religion, family status, etc.)
- Anything irrelevant to the role being applied for
The script is structured so every reference check is comparable and free of bias.
How long it takes
Reference checks are typically the slowest standard check because they involve a human conversation. Common reasons one takes longer than another:
- The referee is on holiday or out of office
- The referee is in a different timezone with limited overlap
- The referee needs to clear sharing information with their company’s HR or legal team first
- The candidate provided an incorrect phone number or email for the referee
If a referee is unresponsive after multiple attempts, we will flag this on the dashboard. You can decide whether to wait, substitute the referee, or proceed without that reference.
How many references to ask for
A common pattern is one reference from the most recent employer for junior roles, two or three references from recent employers for mid-level and senior roles, and as many as the regulator requires for regulated roles. More references rarely adds value and slows down the screening.
What the candidate sees
The candidate provides referee details in their secure consent flow. They know who has been contacted (we tell them after each completed reference). The candidate’s current employer is never contacted unless the candidate explicitly authorises it.
Related articles
What checks can I run on a candidate?
We offer 15+ check types. The right mix depends on the role, the sector, and what is legally proportionate. Here is the full menu.
How long does a background screening take?
Pescheck's average turnaround is around one business day. Fully automated checks finish quickly. Reference checks and international verifications take longer because they involve human contact.
What is pre-employment screening?
A background check run before someone joins your organisation. It verifies the facts on their CV before any offer is finalised.
