Thus, obtaining references is highly important to the hiring process. The final reference check should include the immediate supervisors of the candidate's last two positions. If these persons are not listed as references, it is important to aske the candidate why. Rarely, a candidate will request that you not contact a current supervisor. Another reference may be substituted at the discretion of the committee chair or department chair head.
Employers face liability for negligent hiring.
Employers have an obligation to screen out applicants who could pose a threat to others. Negligent hiring occurs when the employer fails to find out before hiring that the employee has problems of which the employer should have been aware and which should have resulted in the employer not hiring that person.