References and final offer

Following the interview process, the business may find itself in a position to make a decision on a successful candidate. This selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the interview (and any tests, tasks, presentations they have been asked to complete).

The business may also request references about the candidate at this stage in the process. A reference comes from someone who knows the candidate well (such as a previous teacher or employer). The business will contact this person (either by telephone or in writing) and ask them to answer a series of questions about the candidate. Questions may relate to the candidate’s skills, quality of their work, attitude, punctuality and attendance – anything that the business feels will help to confirm their decision about the candidate.

Once the business has selected a suitable candidate and obtained relevant references, it will offer the position to the candidate – this may be done in writing or over the telephone. If the candidate accepts the job, the employer and the candidate will agree a start date for the job and the employer will arrange for an employment contract to be sent to the candidate. You will learn more about employment contracts on the next page.