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HR EDGE OS

Reference Check Sheet

Ten minutes on the phone beats three interviews.

Opening (disarm them)

  • “We're planning to hire [name] — I'm calling to learn how to manage them well, not to dig for dirt.”

The questions

  • What was [name] responsible for when they worked with you?
  • What's the best way to manage them? What made them thrive?
  • Where did they need the most support?
  • Would you hire them again? (Listen for the pause.)
  • Who else worked closely with them that I could talk to?

Red flags to note

  • Long pause on “would you hire them again”
  • Only confirms dates and title
  • Praise that doesn't match the resume's claims
  • Follow up on: