Reference Checks in Australia: 5 Questions Employers Actually Ask
Reference checks in Australia usually happen after a verbal offer, once an employer has already decided they want to hire you. That makes them easy to underestimate, but a weak reference can still cost you the role. Here are the 5 questions employers actually ask, and how to prepare.
1. Basic employment facts
Most reference checks in Australia start with basic facts: your job title, dates of employment, and sometimes salary, mainly to confirm your CV is accurate. (Source: SEEK)
2. How the referee knew you
The referee is usually asked how and in what capacity they worked with you, so the employer knows whether they were your manager, a peer, or a client. This sets the context for everything else they say.
3. Whether you had the skills for the job
Employers ask directly whether you had the skills to succeed in the role, and whether you showed initiative to learn more or take on extra responsibility. (Source: Indeed Australia)
4. How you communicated and handled conflict
Questions about teamwork and communication are common, along with a specific one about conflict: has there been a situation where you had to resolve a disagreement or maintain a difficult relationship within the team?
5. Whether they would hire you again
This is the question that carries the most weight. A referee who says yes without hesitation tells an employer more than almost anything else in the process.
How many referees you’ll need
Two to three is standard for most roles in Australia. Employers usually want at least one former manager, so avoid submitting a list made up entirely of colleagues or friends if you can help it.
How to actually prepare your referees
Don’t just ask “can I put you down as a reference.” Tell them which role you’re applying for, what the employer will likely ask, and what you’d like them to emphasise, like a specific project or skill. Give them a heads-up before the employer calls, not after, so they’re not caught off guard.
It’s also worth checking that their contact details are current. A reference check that stalls because a phone number is wrong can slow down an offer at the worst possible time.
What to do if a former employer won’t give a good reference
If you know a relationship ended badly, use a different referee where you can, like a manager from an earlier role, a client, or someone who supervised a specific project. You’re not obligated to list every past employer, only enough referees to satisfy the number the employer has asked for.
Reference checks in Australia are usually one of the last steps before an offer, but recruiters and employers are also checking your online presence earlier in the process. Our piece on how recruiters evaluate your online presence is worth a read before you’re even at the reference stage. And if your CV doesn’t match what your referees say, that’s its own red flag, so it’s worth revisiting our Australia CV format guide to make sure both tell the same story.
FAQ
Can an employer contact a referee I didn’t list?
Some do, particularly through mutual LinkedIn connections, though it’s not considered best practice. It’s another reason to keep your online presence consistent with what you tell employers.
What if I’m still employed and don’t want my current employer contacted?
Say so clearly. Most Australian employers will respect a request to hold off contacting your current workplace until after a formal offer.
Do reference checks ever go badly?
Occasionally, but it’s rare if you’ve chosen the right referees and prepared them properly. If you’re unsure how a former manager would speak about you, it’s better to find that out before you list them, not after.
