Certified Staffing Profesional Practice Exam

Must a candidate give permission for their reference check information to be shared with a client?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if they are hired

4. Only for personal references

The correct answer is: Yes

A candidate must give permission for their reference check information to be shared with a client because doing so is fundamental to respecting the candidate's privacy and confidentiality rights. When a candidate provides references, it is generally understood that this information should be handled and shared only with their consent. This practice ensures that candidates feel secure in the hiring process and trust that their personal and professional contacts will not be contacted without their prior knowledge or approval. Moreover, obtaining permission aligns with legal and ethical considerations in employment practices. Many jurisdictions have laws that require employers to obtain consent before conducting background checks or reference checks, making it not only respectful but also a legal necessity in many cases. Candidates often wish to maintain control over who is contacted and to prepare their references, further underscoring the importance of requiring consent prior to sharing such information with clients.