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Structured reference check script and summary

Prepare consistent, job-related reference check questions for a role and turn your call notes into a fair, evidence-based summary.

Any chat AIHR & recruitingRuleStack original

Works with: ChatGPT · Claude · Gemini · Grok · Microsoft Copilot · Perplexity · Meta AI · DeepSeek · Mistral Le Chat

Written for Any frontier chat model (GPT-6, Claude 5.5, Gemini 4 Argon, Grok 4.7) · Updated 2026-10-18

Note: Review and test before use. Provided as is, without warranty. See Terms.

Part 1 — Before the call. Create a 20-minute reference check script for a [job title] role. The role's must-haves are: [3-5 competencies]. Write:
- An intro that explains the purpose and confidentiality
- 2 questions to confirm the working relationship (dates, reporting line)
- 2 behavioral questions per competency ("Tell me about a time…") with one follow-up each
- A closing question about areas for growth

Only job-related questions; nothing about age, health, family, religion, nationality or other protected characteristics.

Part 2 — After the call. Here are my notes: [paste notes]. Summarize by competency with quoted evidence, mark each as strong / mixed / concern / not discussed, and list follow-ups. Keep opinions separate from examples.

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your own details.

Settings & parameters

• Any capable chat model; run Part 1 and Part 2 in the same chat so the summary uses the same competencies

Variations

• Backchannel-safe version: questions suitable only with the candidate's explicit permission.
• Panel version to compare two candidates' references side by side.

Tips

• Ask every reference for the same role the same core questions so comparisons are fair.
• Follow your local employment laws and company policy on references and data retention.