Official form guide
Form Reference checking form: Reference checking form
The Reference checking form is a document used by employers to verify employment history and performance information through references from previous employers or other professional contacts. It helps employers confirm the accuracy of information provided by job applicants or existing employees before making employment decisions.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Reference checking form - Reference checking form
The Reference checking form is a document used by employers to verify employment history and performance information through references from previous employers or other professional contacts. It helps employers confirm the accuracy of information provided by job applicants or existing employees before making employment decisions.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is failing to get written permission from the applicant before contacting their references.
- 2Not obtaining proper consent before contacting references
- 3Asking inappropriate or discriminatory questions
- 4Failing to maintain confidentiality of reference information
- 5Making employment decisions based on incomplete reference checks
Plain English
This form helps employers check if what a job applicant or employee has told you about their work history is true by contacting their previous workplaces or other people who know their work. It's a common part of hiring and can help employers make better decisions about who to hire or promote.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form during the recruitment process after receiving permission from the applicant to contact their references, or when verifying employment information for existing staff during reviews or investigations.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when verifying employment history for new job applicants
- Use when checking references for internal promotions or transfers
- Use when investigating employment claims or disputes
- Use when confirming qualifications or experience claims
- Use as part of due diligence for senior or sensitive positions
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Checking references for casual employees
Different requirements for casual vs permanent employment
✓ Check casual employment status before proceeding
Verifying contractor information
Different legal obligations for contractors vs employees
✓ Confirm worker classification before continuing
International reference checks
Different privacy laws may apply
✓ Verify if additional permissions are needed for overseas references
Reference checks for government positions
Additional security requirements may apply
✓ Check if security clearance is required before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline for submitting this form, but it should be completed as part of the recruitment process before making a final employment decision or as needed during ongoing employment verification.
Before you submit
- 1Verify you have written consent from the applicant
- 2Confirm all reference contact information is accurate
- 3Prepare specific, job-related questions in advance
- 4Ensure questions comply with anti-discrimination laws
- 5Have a system for documenting responses
- 6Check that all personal information handling follows privacy laws
- 7Prepare for potential follow-up questions if references provide unclear information
How to file this form
- 1Obtain written permission from the person whose references you're checking
- 2Prepare a list of specific, job-related questions to ask references
- 3Contact each reference using the approved contact method
- 4Document all responses accurately on the form
- 5Review the information for consistency and completeness
- 6Store the completed form securely according to privacy requirements
- 7Use the information appropriately in employment decisions
Known limitations
- 1References may provide incomplete or biased information
- 2Former employers may be restricted in what they can disclose
- 3Digital reference checking may have verification challenges
- 4International reference checks may face language barriers
- 5Not all references may respond in a timely manner
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This form is regularly updated to align with current privacy laws and employment standards in Australia. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman website for the most recent version before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Updated privacy consent requirements
- New guidelines on appropriate reference questions
- Revised record-keeping requirements
- Updated information about Fair Work Ombudsman contact details
- New section on digital reference checking procedures
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Fair Work Ombudsman
- SRCPurpose is for employment reference verification
- SRCUsed by Australian employers
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific submission methods
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact format of questions
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: record retention requirements
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: digital submission options
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: version update frequency
Common confusion points
What questions are appropriate to ask references
How to handle negative or vague reference responses
What to do if a reference doesn't respond
How to maintain confidentiality of reference information
Whether previous employers are obligated to respond
How to verify the identity of people providing references
What to do if reference information conflicts with application details
How long reference information remains valid
Source transparency
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