Checking References

References should be checked prior to extending a conditional verbal offer of employment to a candidate, but may be contacted earlier during the process of identifying viable candidates for interview.

When checking a reference for a candidate, please pay attention to the following:

• KU strongly encourages a minimum of two work-related references from the candidate’s previous employment. If the new hire is a student and previous employment references are not available, external references are still encouraged.

• For candidates who are either internal or previous KU employees, contact the supervisor(s) of record as well as the Department of Human Resources for further employment verification.

• Qualified references should come from previous/current supervisors and/or designated offices.

It is important to be thorough in your questions and be consistent in presenting the same or similar reference questions to each person contacted. If a specific question results in necessary follow-up, you are encouraged to ask more questions to receive clarification. To assist you with this process, sample reference questions are available.