Tips For Teachers: Reference check

Although the CV, cover letter, and the interview are very helpful in the hiring process, an overlooked but very important aspect of the process is the reference. Often you will list your references and their contact information on your CV. This is not necessary. Most candidates will put “references available upon request”. Or just leave blank as we know to contact references when we are ready. We want to get an unbiased opinion of your work.

Even when you list your references or submit names when requested, we want to contact your most recent supervisors who have observed your work. So be ready to have your most recent supervisors be contacted. When you make the reference selection we know that you are giving us names that will probably be favorable to you. Even if you do, make sure they are willing to be a reference for you.

We look for about three to five references to follow up with. Please make sure that you have names with current contact information. Unfortunately, if I can’t contact your references I am going to the next candidate.

As someone who has interviewed hundreds of educators over my 45 years in school and university administration, I believe that a reference check is very important in selecting the best candidate for any position. It is something that HR departments and school administrators do on a regular basis.

Les Potter, Ed.D.
Founder of Potter’s Educational Services
A free service to educators
[email protected]