Faculty Hiring Manual 2023–24
Section 4: Assessment and Selection 

4.4 Checking References

Reference checking is an essential part of the selection process for finalists. References provide valuable information about a candidate’s performance and assist in making a final hiring decision. The search committee members or Hiring Unit head should determine in advance how to collect reference materials. After completing initial interviews, committees, in consultation with UHR, must check the references of the final candidate(s).

In addition to reviewing any reference letters received, search committees should contact references directly. This is especially valuable for finalists. It is important for search committees to handle all reference checks in a consistent manner for each candidate. Some best practices for reference checks include:

• The same individual or individuals should conduct all reference checks to ensure consistency in the evaluation. The same method of reference checking should be used for each reference; phone interviews are recommended, as they allow the opportunity for follow-up questions.
• All references should be asked the same or similar questions.
• Contact all references for each candidate regardless of the information provided by a reference.
• Questions that are legally prohibited during interviews are also legally prohibited during a reference check.¹⁰
• Questions must be related to the specific position and should be relevant to the candidate’s skills and qualifications.
• All information gathered through references should be kept confidential. Do not share with the candidate the information received from a previous employer or other reference.
• When checking references, search committees must comply with state and federal law and applicable University Policies and should be mindful of the Rutgers University Statement on Professional Ethics, as set out in the University Policy Library Section 60.5.1 and incorporating the Statement on Professional Ethics adopted by the American Association of University Professors at its annual meeting in April 1966 (revised June 1987), including specifically that professors “avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students” and “do not discriminate against or harass colleagues.”

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¹⁰ See Appendix I.