After you make an initial contact by telephone, if the individual giving the reference asks you to send a request in writing with a copy of the release signed by the applicant, respond quickly. Try to negotiate a deadline for returning the forms to you. By establishing this contact, you have set the stage for contacting the reference again if you do not receive the information by the agreed-upon deadline. You have also established a point of contact that you can use to clarify information once the reference form has been returned. Nonetheless, take the task seriously.
References sometimes reveal critical information about applicants.
You should verify the nature of the relationship between the applicant and personal reference and the length of time they have known each other. You may be able to increase the objectivity of the information you receive from the reference if you stress the kinds of responsibilities that the applicant will have if selected for the position. The most common reference-checking mistake is to miss an opportunity to get critical information from the respondent. When you are checking references, let the reference provide the information. You need to phrase the questions so that references are required to think about their responses and to answer in their own words.