Employee reference checks are invaluable to employers, as you get to learn something about potential candidates from the people who’ve actually worked with them.

However, as many employers have already discovered, employee reference checks can also be a source of liability. So even though online information has become more accessible than ever, it pays to be careful about where you look for information and which questions you ask.

Here are five tips for conducting employee reference checks and keeping them legal:

When you are developing an employee reference check policy, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney. An experienced attorney can help work out a policy specific for your company including which records you may seek, which waivers are appropriate, and the proper legal procedures for gathering references.

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Related Resources:

  • Employment References That Work For You (FindLaw)
  • How to Conduct a Legal Job Interview (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)
  • How to Spot 5 Common Resume Lies (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)

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