What do employers actually ask references?
The standard question set, in order, and what each answer signals.
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The last step of interview prep
Know what your references actually say before an employer calls.
A good reference can make or break your next job. Name 1 to 4 references and we ask the same questions a prospective employer would ask. You read every answer word for word.
What is your former boss saying about you?
The report
What you get
You can decide with complete confidence whether to use a reference.
Every answer, verbatim
Exactly what each reference said. No summaries.
Letters you keep
A formatted, letterheaded letter from each responder.
Strength at a glance
How strongly each recommends you, and who surprises you.
On your date
You pick the deadline (3 to 15 days).
Why we ask for you
Your references like you. That's the problem.
Ask them yourself and you'll get reassurance, not what a hiring manager hears.
When you ask
- “Of course I'll say great things!” Warmth, not wording.
- Nothing on the questions that decide offers: weaknesses, rehire.
- Their first real answer happens on the call that counts.
When our verification team asks
- The structured questions hiring managers actually ask.
- Candid answers. A neutral professional asks, not you.
- Every word recorded and reported verbatim.
Even a fan can fumble the call. Find out while there's still time to coach them. Background checkers work for employers. We work for you.
How it works
Three steps. Your deadline.
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1
Name your references
Pick 1 to 4 people, tell us how to reach them and set your deadline (3 to 15 days).
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2
We make the calls
Our verification team asks each one the questions a hiring manager asks, under its own name.
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3
Read the answers
Every answer verbatim and a letter per responder, on your date.
What you keep
The appendix that pays for the report
Everyone says to collect reference letters. Almost nobody does. Asking is awkward. Your report arrives with it done: one letter per responder, in their own words.
Sample letter
Dana KellerDirector of Engineering · Northbrook Labs
To whom it may concern,
I managed Sarah for three years at Northbrook Labs. She remains the strongest project lead I have worked with. I recommend her without reservation…
Dana Keller
Pricing
One flat price. Everything included.
1 reference
$75
- Full verbatim report
- Recommendation strength ratings
- 1 letterheaded letter
2 references
$125
- Full verbatim report
- Recommendation strength ratings
- 2 letterheaded letters
Recommended
3 references
$140
- Employers typically ask for three
- Recommendation strength ratings
- 3 letterheaded letters
4 references
$190
- Full verbatim report
- Recommendation strength ratings
- 4 letterheaded letters
If we can't get answers, you don't pay.
References go quiet sometimes. Swap a silent one free. A slot locks once a reference starts answering. Nobody responds after swaps? Full refund.
Good questions
Before you order
Who contacts my references?
Our dedicated verification team, operating under its own name. Your references see a professional request under that name, never a message from you and nothing that connects to you. That distance keeps answers candid.
What questions get asked?
The set a hiring manager works through: role and dates, strengths, growth areas and “would you work with them again?” You see every question and answer.
What if a reference has moved companies?
Doesn't matter. You give us their current contact details, and we reach them wherever they are now.
When do I get my report?
You pick: any date 3 to 15 days out, at checkout. More runway lets references answer thoughtfully.
What if a reference never responds?
Swap in a replacement free. Slots lock once a reference starts answering. If nobody responds after swaps, full refund.
What if the answers aren't flattering?
That's the most useful page in the report. Found now, a lukewarm answer costs a conversation. Found by an employer, it can cost the offer.
What if a former boss is saying something false?
If a former employer gives false information about your employment, they may be legally liable. Your report is a dated record of exactly what was said.
Which references should I check?
The ones an employer is most likely to call, plus anyone you're not sure about. That's what the check is for.
How many references should I check?
1 to 4. Employers typically ask for three. The $140 bundle matches that and returns three letters.
Free guides
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Keep prepping
Short reads from the playbook your report follows.
Don't let a bad reference ruin your next job.
Pick your date, name your references and know what gets said when you leave the room.
Start my reference check$75 to $190 flat · Your deadline, 3 to 15 days · If we can't get answers, you don't pay