How to prepare reference-check questions about the work
Sep 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Try the free tool this article describes: Reference Check Question Kit →
A reference conversation is more useful when the recruiter knows which work requirements need clarification. General praise or criticism gives little context. AIIA's reference-check kit drafts questions from a job description and provides a blank notes section for a human-led conversation.
Prepare the role requirements
Paste the job description and optionally identify competencies to emphasise. Use the responsibilities that matter in the role. You do not need to submit a candidate's name, resume or referee contact details. The tool prepares a question kit and does not find, contact or verify references.
Ask about direct observation
Each question includes a follow-up and explains the evidence it aims to collect. Before using the draft, check that the referee could reasonably have observed that work. Ask about the working relationship and period of contact during the conversation. Separate an observed example from the referee's interpretation of it.
A synthetic reference question
For a fictional support role involving ticket escalation, a question might be: Can you describe an escalation you directly observed this person handle? A follow-up could ask what the person did and what happened next. If the referee did not observe escalation work, record that limitation rather than filling in an assumed answer.
Read the job-description excerpt
The kit links each question to an excerpt from the supplied description. The server checks that the excerpt occurs in the source. This is a traceability check, not proof that the question is relevant, fair or predictive. Edit questions that misunderstand the role. Clarify ambiguous duties before using the kit.
Leave unanswered questions unanswered
The notes sheet starts blank. Record what was actually said and leave unobserved work marked as not established. The generator does not produce candidate performance facts, a reference score or a hiring recommendation. The hiring team should consider the context and other available evidence when making its decision.
Keep questions related to the work. Do not use this draft to infer protected traits, health, family circumstances, personality or culture fit. Follow your organisation's consent and reference-check process. The tool does not certify legal compliance or replace a review of that process.
Keep control of the draft and notes
Review the result, then copy or download the version you need. Content remains editable. Reset clears local form and result state. AIIA does not save the private kit as an application record by default. Generating the kit sends the supplied description to the configured model provider, whose policies and configuration govern provider retention. The recruiter account link does not upload the kit or send any message.