New Hampshire Guidelines for Performing Reference Checks are a crucial part of the hiring process that helps employers gain valuable insights into a candidate's qualifications, skills, and work ethics. In the state of New Hampshire, specific guidelines have been established to ensure fair and lawful reference checks are conducted. These guidelines aim to protect both employers and job seekers from potential legal issues and discriminatory practices. 1. Legal Compliance: According to New Hampshire law, employers are permitted to contact references provided by job applicants. It is essential for employers to adhere to federal and state anti-discrimination laws throughout the reference check process. 2. Consent: Employers must obtain written consent from the applicant before conducting a reference check. This ensures that the candidate acknowledges and grants permission for their references to be contacted. 3. Accuracy and Accountability: Employers should ensure that information obtained from reference checks is accurate and verified. It is advisable to cross-reference information received from multiple sources to establish its credibility and reduce the risk of potential discrepancies. 4. Non-Discrimination: Reference checks must be conducted without any bias or discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other factors protected by law. Employers should focus solely on job-related qualifications and performance indicators during the reference check process. 5. Confidentiality and Privacy: Employers need to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the information collected during reference checks. This information should be treated with the same level of privacy as other sensitive employee records. Apart from these general guidelines, there are no specific subcategories of reference checks outlined in New Hampshire law. However, employers may adopt additional strategies or tools such as employment verification, academic or professional credential verification, and character reference checks to supplement their hiring decision-making process. By following these New Hampshire guidelines for performing reference checks, employers can ensure that the process is fair, legal, and beneficial to both parties involved. It helps employers make informed decisions while safeguarding the rights of job applicants.