Questions for References
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
February 28, 2011 9:35am CST
I need to make a few phone calls today for the references I was given for a company I may employ for a short time. Though, sadly I have never been put in a position to need to ask for references before. I'm just not sure what to ask. So I'm thinking something along the line of... How prompt were they? Payment as promised? How did they leave the work site? Did they do as the contract stated? I don't know what else to really ask the reference. As this whole process makes me nervous as no one has done this before other than the parents of a friend and I don't know them to even ask how they selected a company. But this is the only company who seems to have a clean back ground and willing to work in this area. And I don't live there so I need to know that I would not get ripped off by this company.
Are there any general questions people ask of a reference that you folks can think of that I have not?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
28 Feb 11
My #1 question would be "Would you recommend them to a friend, have you heard any negative feedback or did you have any negative interactions with this company?"
I'd also do some online research. Of course the company is going to give you positive references, and not tell you about their negative experiences. Check the Better Business Bureau and even online shopping sites sometimes list reviews for companies.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
28 Feb 11
That's an obvious one I did not think of.
I have tried to do some online research but these type of companies are typically small town "mom and pop" so beyond hoping they have a website they are typically not rated nor registered with the BBB. So getting some refrences and looking them up on the states court website for court records I'm kinda SOL. The place a friend of mines in-laws went with kept putting me off and would not return my calls though saying they would.
I did call 2 references this morning one was with someone with the county and another a private citizen. The citizen was not home. So I will have to try later today or another day when I can use hubby's cell to call up there.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
2 Mar 11
I do too! It would certainly put my mind at ease over things forsure!
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
1 Mar 11
I think I would ask "Would you hire this company again?" What did you see as their strong points? Were they weak in any way in fulfilling the contract?
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
2 Mar 11
If the pressure is not on me it is easy to be "wise". I probably should write down what I said in case I am ever needing to do the same thing. I buy the little 3x5 cards on spiral wires and write things like that in them. Or job references for when I am filling out applications, and even goals or desires for the jobs I want.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
2 Mar 11
You always have the wisest of answers! You know when I'm stressed I can't think of what to say or shall I say ask of someone.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
5 Jul 11
That is definitely something I also wouldn't feel comfortable in asking. I would feel like I either asked too much, too little, left something out or asked something stupid. Then If something were to go wrong, I'd feel even worse about it. This discussion is older so no need to suggest questions, but even so I don't know hat I would suggest to you in this instance.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
2 Mar 11
When you are calling the references, definitely don't ask questions that are either yes or no questions. By not giving them space for an open ended response is limiting what you are going to be able to learn about the company. You are more likely to get a good answer by asking "How did you feel about the work that was done for you?" Than you are asking, "Were you happy with the work that was done for you?" I hope that you have the best of luck finding the company that will be the best for the work that you need done.
