MEMORANDUM

TO:             Department Administrator/Hiring Authority

FROM:       Ailicec Carreno, Director Human Resources

SUBJECT:  Checking References

You have initiated a search to fill a position vacancy.  We use this opportunity to remind you of the importance of conducting a thorough employment background and credential search of your final candidate(s).

References for candidates who are not currently employed with the University are best verified by speaking directly with the candidate's current and previous immediate supervisor.   Standardized "To Whom It May Concern" letters or personal references provided by job applicants are always positive and should not be used in lieu of direct dialogue with the immediate supervisor. As a suggestion, you may use the Telephone Reference Check Form as a guide.

For current or former UM employee references, please speak with the current or previous supervisor and review the employee's personnel file. Records of accomplishments, promotions, previous performance evaluations, as well as, disciplinary action are located in personnel files and can be made available to you for the purpose of your search.  Feel free to contact Human Resources to arrange a personnel file review.

BE CERTAIN THE CANDIDATE GIVES YOU APPROVAL TO CHECK REFERENCES OF A CURRENT EMPLOYER.   Candidates may ask you not to check references during the initial interview so as not to jeopardize their current employment.  If in the final stages of the search process the candidate does not give permission to verify references, be skeptical.