What do prospective employers actually ask your references?

it depends on what they potential employer is looking for, past employer are free to tell potential employer anything they want as long as it is truthful, while it is true some employers have policies about what they will say there is no law that prevents them from giving truthful answers

They will ask them whatever they want but most companies have a policy of not giving a reference at all.

They will usually only answer with dates of employment and if you can be rehired so you don't cause them any trouble.

If you ask a coworker to be a reference they will answer anything asked of them. The new company assumes anyone you have as a reference likes you so they just try to find out other things about them.

When I have been a reference they asked questions much like job interview questions like what is her worst feature. Also asked her duties, attendance or other work related things. She got the job so I know I had the right answers. I said her worst feature was she put too much of herself into her work so it harmed her personal relationships. She had gotten me the job at that company since we had worked together before, now almost 29 years later we are facebook friends.

It pays to have friends at work who can vouch for you.

For many companies, they have a policy of only confirming your dates of employment, your title and your salary. So you may not have to worry.

You could have a friend call your last supervisor and ask for a reference and see what he says. If he's smart, he won't say anything negative because you might sue him for it.

Yes, you can put numerous references from a single company if it's people who are familiar with your work.

References are just to confirm that you are who you say you are and did what you said you did.

The reference is sent to the company, not individuals for a business reference. They would not write to 2 people at 1 company, unless it was for a personal reference.

Basically they just want to check that you are not an illegal immigrant or did anything dishonest.

A reference assess is traditionally the final step before a job present. If all exams available in the market, i'd think you are due for a job present within the following week or two. I will be able to believe you that the procedure does look to be taking a little at the same time, and if that issues you and you haven't heard from them by means of per week due to the fact they've checked them, you can also need to call and spot where you stand in the hiring process.

Go ahead and include your references. Your former Supervisor can't say too much negative stuff....your duties and work habits maybe, but nothing really personal is allowed. Length of employ and salary would be typical answers wanted.