References

Manage reference checks for your candidates. Request references, track responses, and use AI to summarize feedback.

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Overview

The References feature helps you:

• Request references — Send automated reference requests
• Track status — See pending, completed, and declined
• Collect feedback — Structured reference forms
• Analyze responses — AI summary of feedback

Reference Statuses

References flow through statuses:

Requesting References

From a Candidate

1. Open the candidate profile
2. Go to the References tab
3. Click Request Reference
4. Enter referee details:

5. Click Send Request

Multiple References

Request multiple references:

1. Click Add Another after the first
2. Enter additional referee details
3. Send all at once or individually

Reference Timing

Best practices for timing:

The Reference Form

Questions Asked

Referees complete a structured form:

Section 1: Relationship

• How do you know the candidate?
• How long did you work together?
• In what capacity?

Section 2: Performance

• How would you rate their work quality? (1-5)
• How would you rate their reliability? (1-5)
• How would you rate their teamwork? (1-5)

Section 3: Skills

• What are their strongest skills?
• What skills could they improve?
• How do they handle pressure?

Section 4: Overall

• Would you rehire them? (Yes/No/Maybe)
• Additional comments

Tracking References

Reference Dashboard

View all references at Recruiting > References.

Columns:

Filtering

Filter references by:

• Status (pending, completed, expired)
• Candidate
• Job
• Date range
• Relationship type

Reminders

Send reminder emails:

1. Find pending reference
2. Click Send Reminder
3. Optional: Personalize message
4. Send

Completed References

Viewing Responses

When a reference is completed:

1. Open the candidate profile
2. Go to References tab
3. Click on the completed reference
4. View full responses

AI Summary

Workestra provides an AI-generated summary:

What the AI analyzes:

• Overall sentiment (positive, neutral, mixed)
• Key strengths mentioned
• Areas of concern
• Rehire recommendation
• Red flags (if any)

Example Summary:

"Overall positive reference. Referee highlighted strong technical skills and reliability. Minor note about communication style being direct. Would definitely rehire. No red flags."

Comparison View

Compare multiple references for a candidate:

1. Open candidate's References tab
2. Click Compare View
3. See ratings side-by-side
4. Identify consistent themes

Declined References

Understanding Declines

If a referee declines:

• Reason may be provided
• Don't penalize candidate
• Request alternative reference

Alternative References

When a reference is declined:

1. Ask candidate for alternative
2. Request from new referee
3. Aim for 2-3 completed references

Reference Best Practices

How Many References?

Reference Mix

Ideally include:

• 1 Manager — Direct supervisor
• 1 Peer — Colleague at same level
• 1 Direct Report — If applicable (for managers)

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if references:

• Are consistently neutral or vague
• Mention performance issues
• Would not rehire
• Contradict candidate's claims
• Are personal friends only

Legal Considerations

• Get candidate consent before contacting
• Only ask job-related questions
• Document responses
• Don't discriminate based on protected characteristics

Settings

Reference Configuration

Configure in Recruiting Settings > References:

Email Templates

Customize reference request emails:

• Subject line
• Body content
• Your branding
• Custom signature

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Next Steps

• Candidates — Manage candidate profiles
• Settings — Configure reference options
• AI Screening — Complete candidate evaluation