Reference Checks
Reference checks are your best way to find out what the applicant will be like “on the job”. Taking the time to check references now could save you time and trouble later.

In general, a personal telephone call with a reference is better than depending on a written reference letter the applicant gives you. It’s worth the time and trouble to make those calls!

Tips for checking references:

• Once you have selected your final applicants, ask each to contact his or her current or previous supervisor(s) to request that the supervisor(s) provide a reference.
• Ask the person providing a reference if he or she has time to talk or if the person would like to schedule a specific time to conduct the reference.
• Avoid discussing personal information that is not relevant to the job.
• Disregard information the person has no first-hand knowledge about or that is not related to the applicant’s skills, performance, or qualifications.
• ALWAYS check more than one reference.
• Listen carefully to the person’s tone of voice.
• If a previous employer is unwilling to volunteer information, try asking the employer to rate the applicant on a scale of one to ten with respect to certain qualities. For example, “On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the employee’s attendance?” Many people are more willing to respond with this approach. Another approach is to simply ask the person if he or she would re-hire the individual.

Sample Reference Check Questions

• How would you describe his or her work?
• How would you compare his or her work performance with others in the same position?
• Why did she or he leave your company?
  Would you rehire this person?
• What are his or her strong points?
• What are his or her limitations?
• How does she or he get along with others?
• Could you comment on his or her attendance and dependability?
• Is there anything else you’d like to comment on?

Criminal Background Checks
A criminal background check will provide information about adult criminal convictions in the state of Maine. All agencies that employ personal assistants and most individual employers require criminal background checks.

For more information, contact:

State Bureau of Identification
State House Station #42
Augusta ME 04333-0042
207-624-7240, 207-624-4478 (TTD)
http://www.informe.org/PCR/faq.html

The website above has information about contacting other states about crimes committed in those states. There are also private services that can check a person’s criminal history and other background records. You can find these services on the Internet or use a private investigator.

Driver's License Checks
Some employers feel that checking a candidate’s driving record is a good way to learn about his or her background or safety.

You will need the permission of the candidate to check his/her driving record. For more information, call (877) 212-6500 or visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/sosonline/homepage.html.