Reference check follow up – the question

As a follow up to my recent note on reference checks, I was asked if there was a question I’d found most useful.

My favorite question is – “For their tenure and role, would this person be in the top 10% of people you’ve ever worked with? Why or why not?”

I’ve found it useful because it forces clarity. And because you combine the objectivity (yes/no) with the subjectivity (the “why or why not”).

This question doesn’t eliminate the risk that goes with a hire. I don’t think avoiding risk is the point – it’s just helps us better understand it.