Checking Applicant References

Though there isn’t a specific law requiring that you check a candidate’s references, courts have held employers liable for negligent hiring for certain acts of their employees, which the employer knew or should have known might occur. Reference checks are often part of the hiring process, but there are several things to look out for.

When checking prior employment references, do not seek information about the applicant’s salary history with previous employers. For more information, see Application for Employment.

Use of credit agencies and investigative consumer reporting agencies to check theObtaining