How do I conduct an effective reference check?

Thanks

Well ....

As for me first of all I will send to ask for all references, and oftenly I will ask the candidate to provide me with three persons, then I will send them an e-mail armed by my questions

And if we want to make it as an effective mission,so we need to :

• Ask about what we concern about only.
• The eligiblety of candidates historical achievements.
• Why he -she moved.
• His - Her ability to work with team and under closely supervision.
• His - Her weakness points.
• His - Her strenght points.
• Why I have to accept him - her.

Inclined to second the opinion of Mr. Omar Saad in this regard.

Conduct of effective reference check:

• Identify yourself, your title, organization name and tell them you are calling about a reference for a candidate you are considering
• Ask if now is a good time to talk or whether they would rather schedule a call at a later time
• Make sure they understand that you have the consent from the applicant and that all responses will remain confidential
• It is important to give a brief description of the role you are considering the applicant for, so that they can comment in context
• Give them time to answer your questions. Let them respond, and do not cut them off or put words in their mouth

Write a proper email to previous employers and ask them if he is associated with them and for how many years/months/days.