When in the process should you run reference checks — before or after the interview? Short answer: after the final interview, but before you extend an offer. Here's a step-by-step guide to timing, preparation and execution.
Timing: before or after the interview?
Reference checks belong after the final interview and before the offer. The interview gives you hypotheses about the candidate — the reference check confirms or refutes them before you commit contractually.
Doing it before the interview wastes everyone's time. Doing it after the offer is too late — you've already committed.
Prepare questions based on the interview
Review interview notes and pick 3-4 concrete hypotheses to test. Examples:
- "Candidate said they led a team of 8 — is that accurate?"
- "Candidate seemed uncomfortable with feedback — how did they handle criticism?"
- "Candidate left after 11 months — what was the real reason?"
Add these on top of the standard template. See 25 questions to ask references for a ready-made list.
Consent and lawful basis
GDPR and the Norwegian personopplysningsloven require written, informed and specific consent from the candidate before referees are contacted. In hiring contexts the arbeidsmiljøloven also frames what you may ask about. Referansio handles the consent step automatically with a signed consent record and full audit log — see our GDPR guide.
How to run the reference check
- Ask the candidate for 2-3 referees (manager + peer, ideally last 5 years).
- Send a digital request via SMS or email.
- Use 8-12 questions — identical for every referee for the same candidate.
- Set a realistic deadline: 48-72 h written, 15 min phone.
- Follow up politely after 24 h if you haven't heard back.
How to interpret the answers
- Consistency — same story across referees?
- Gaps — anything the referee avoids answering?
- Hesitation — especially on "would you hire them again?"
- Concrete examples vs. generic praise — concrete always wins.
Want to complete the whole flow in 15 minutes instead of days? Try Referansio free — structured digital reference checks with automatic reminders and GDPR-safe storage.
