It is highly recommended that search committees and individuals who are making hiring decisions include reference checks as part of the selection process. Information provided by references, whether through telephone calls or letters of recommendation, are likely to prove highly useful in evaluating a candidate’s skills, training and experience, and his/her ability to perform the duties of the position being filled. The UW-Madison Search Handbook contains detailed information regarding the appropriate use of references in the selection process.

In addition, Appendix 4E, Making Informed Hiring Decisions, provides a guideline for checking references for current or former university employees.