Doing reference checks means getting information. Typically, this information is gathered over the phone, and it involves someone who already knows the applicant. This means they may or may not be quite as willing as you hoped to offer up any information that might be construed as negative.
The first step of getting that information is learning how to ask questions that require thoughtful answers. If your questions can be answered with one word, then you need to rewrite them. Open ended, thoughtful questions are really the angle you want. When a person begins expressing their thoughts in sentences and details they tend to relax much faster and open up more.
Take it to the next level and frame your questions so that the negative would seem like a positive. For instance, if you are performing a call to check on someone’s basic work ethic you might ask a question regarding the time they put into a job. Making it sound like showing up on time and leaving on time is a good thing when you would rather hear how the individual in question came in early and left late when necessary.
You have to become a good listener. You should be able to ask the question and then just sit back and let the information come at you for as long as the individual doing the talking is willing to offer it. There are plenty of people who do not realize what it is you are looking for and so they will simply give an honest answer. This is exactly what you want to have happen.
Curb any of your own responses. You do not want to interact with the individual over the phone while they are speaking. It is also wise to avoid any positive or negative tone when they are done speaking. If you indicate that a response is either positive or negative, even with just the tone of your voice, you will be directing the interview in a manner that can lead to a certain amount of fabrication or omission.
Usually, the best way to accomplish this is to simply choose a single word with a single syllable. This is the word you will use in between the individual’s answer and your next question. It is fine to omit any response. Most people find that difficult when transitioning back to the next question. There is often a need to interject something before continuing. If you do not plan the response in advance you may start giving indications with your voice.
As the interview continues there is a very strong likelihood that there will be some things said that you will want to explore. Writing down additional questions or trigger words while you are listening can help you ask for clarification. There is no need to indicate why you need it.
Doing reference checks becomes easy when you find out the best way to get people to talk. Usually, it is not difficult to get people talking about someone else. The more they are willing to open up to you the more information you will find you get.