Summary

• The information gathered from reference checks must be considered along with the rest of the information gathered throughout the screening and interview process.
• It is recommended that panels request references at the second or final interview step, once a finalist is identified. 
• Reference checks will be initiated in Workday through the SkillSurvey system. A standard set of questions will be used within this system.
  • Candidates will be prompted to submit their reference information in this system. The system will then send an automated message to references to fill out the standard question form.
  • 3 references will be required in SkillSurvey, with at least one being a supervisor.
• If you would like to contact references by phone or email outside of the SkillSurvey system, feel free! This is not required but can help in addressing things not captured in the system. You can reach out to candidates for reference information yourself, or ask ASU to assist in getting this information. 
• Internal candidate reference checks will require a pfile check in SkillSurvey. You are also strongly encouraged to consult with and consider input from current coworkers and other stakeholders that work with them in their current role. 

Useful Documents

Guide to Reference Checks

Best practices and strategies for conducting reference checks, including sample questions. 

A. Hiring Manager Responsibilities:

1. Let ASU HR know you have a finalist and would like to move to the reference check stage. 
   1. it is recommended that panels request references at the second or final interview step.
   2. If the hiring manager would like to do off-list reference checks, the individual needs to be a finalist for the position (they are not guaranteed confidentiality). Check with HR if you are uncertain.
2. Notify finalist(s) that references will be checked
3. Once reference information is collected in SkillSurvey, ASU will send a report to the hiring manager with the references' responses. The hiring manager should review this report.
   1. If you would like to conduct additional reference checks outside of the SkillSurvey system, please reach out to the candidate for reference information or ask ASU to assist in getting this information. 

B. ASU HR Responsibilities:

1. Initiate the reference check in Workday for the finalist.
   1. This will prompt a notification to the finalist to provide reference contact information. 
   2. Once the finalist provides reference information, a notification is sent to each reference to fill out the standard reference check questionnaire in SkillSurvey.
2. Help the hiring manager collect reference information if they ask for assistance in conducting additional reference checks outside of SkillSurvey.
3. Send a report of reference responses from SkillSurvey to the hiring manager for review.