Job reference checks

Question

when a employer asks you fo references do they

1: ever actually ring up

2: ask them how long you worked for them or just ask about your work efforts

Answer 1

Yes, they do call and check references. And no, there are no laws stating that they can not give out truthful information about your employment with them. If you sign a release for a company to do a background check on you then you are releasing former employers, schools and people from liability for giving out truthful employment related information about you.

Things they ask are length of employment, positions held, duties, attendance, starting and ending salary, conditions of how you left the company (did you give notice or just leave with no notice?)

Answer 2

yup, they call (i used to have to call for reference check). there are some laws against giving some details, so most likely they will want to know length of employment, position and if youd be considered for rehire. then they may put in an 'off the record, between you and me' comment about what they actually thought of you.  

Answer 3

I am assuming you are talking about previous employers and not personal references.  Yes, most employers do check but it is difficult to obtain good information as previous employers try to protect themselves from being sued.  Many will only provide dates of employment and statements like "they left in good standings."  This is more true if you end up talking to the HR people.  If you can get to a previous supervisor you may get more "off the record" information."  

We usually used a list of questions and you could get insight into the quality of the applicant by such things as how carefully the question was answered and how long it took to answer the question.