---
title: "Perform Reference Checks"
url: "https://knowledge-base.discovered.ai/en/article/reference-checks"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-09-25T21:32:47.459Z"
---

# Perform Reference Checks

Automate and manage candidate reference checks directly in your pipeline.

### **Overview**

Reference checks are a critical part of the hiring process, helping you validate a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and cultural fit. With Discovered, you can attach a **Reference Check automation** to a specific status in your pipeline. When a candidate is moved into that status, they are automatically prompted (if a message is included) to provide references, and your team can collect structured feedback through customizable questionnaires.

## **How to Perform Reference Checks:**

[Embedded content](https://www.loom.com/embed/3eda048f2a10481bbebb4e181daf24d7?sid=df052b4e-ed86-43a6-adb8-cff86138e66d)

### **1\. Open a Status in the Processing Tab**

Go to your job posting, navigate to the **Processing tab**, and click on the status where you’d like to add the one-way interview.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/7aed1a34-6a41-46fb-b532-526f4a9a5440)

### **2\. Add the Reference Check Automation**

-   Scroll to the automation options and click **Add Reference Check**.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/28c48de1-8fdf-4696-997b-2b8132ba409f)

-   A default questionnaire will appear, pre-configured from your **Find and Evaluate Talent tab**.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/8cb821cd-1869-4265-905d-f5ca81a81e94)

### **3\. Review and Customize the Questionnaire**

-   Edit the default questions as needed.
-   Use existing **templates** to save time and ensure consistency.

### **4\. (Optional) Add a Candidate Message**

To notify candidates, create a message in the status and include the **reference link token**. Without a message, candidates will be assigned the reference task but will not be informed automatically.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4b4a5807-3b6c-4f54-9416-fd87a231f565)

### **5\. Assign the Status to a Candidate and Verify Assignment**

-   Once set up, move a candidate into the reference check status. The task will automatically be added to their profile.
-   Open the candidate’s profile and confirm the reference check is listed in the **Reference Check section**.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/a16111ee-027c-4fd4-af44-c5ece1568ac6)

## **Reference Contact Warnings**

If Discovered flags a reference with a **bad email address** or **bad phone number**, the contact information may be invalid or unreachable.

This can happen if:

-   The email address is bouncing.
-   The phone number is disconnected or invalid.
-   The candidate entered the reference’s contact information incorrectly.

Before assuming there is a problem with the reference, try contacting them directly by phone or email to confirm the information.

If needed, ask the candidate to update the reference contact details and submit them again.

In some cases, Discovered may also flag a reference if the phone number appears to be associated with the same phone plan as the candidate. Treat this as a signal to verify the reference rather than as an automatic disqualification.

## **Why This Matters:**

Automating reference checks ensures consistency, saves time, and prevents important hiring steps from being missed. With structured questionnaires and optional candidate messaging, you can:

-   Collect **relevant, comparable feedback** from references.
-   Ensure reference requests are **triggered automatically** at the right stage.
-   Provide a **professional candidate experience** by clearly communicating expectations.

## **Use Cases:**

-   **Recruiters:** Quickly request references once candidates pass the interview stage.
-   **Hiring Managers:** Gain structured, role-specific insights before making a final offer.
-   **Agencies:** Standardize the reference check process across multiple clients.
-   **Small Teams:** Automate reference requests without extra administrative effort.

## **Best Practices:**

-   Use **templates** for consistency and efficiency across jobs.
-   Always add a **candidate message** so they are notified and can provide references promptly.
-   Review and update your reference questions periodically to align with evolving job requirements.
-   Verify reference assignments in the candidate profile to avoid delays in decision-making.

## **What Happens Next:**

Once a candidate is assigned the reference check status:

-   The reference check questionnaire is automatically attached to their profile.
-   If a message is included, candidates are prompted with a link to provide references.
-   Your team can monitor responses in the **Reference Check section** and use them to inform final hiring decisions.

With automated reference checks, you can maintain a **structured, efficient, and professional** evaluation process without adding extra manual work.