Reference checking tips to get the best information about an applicant so you can be confident you’re making a good decision.
Reference checking is often the last step in the hiring process – when you’re pretty sure who you want to hire, but before you’ve made an offer. Talking to the right people and asking the right questions can help confirm you’re making the right hiring decision.


Always speak to at least one referee before hiring someone, and ideally two.

As well as confirming your applicant’s work history and skills, they can help you get a better idea of how your applicant works and if they’ll be a good fit for your organisation.

The applicant will usually provide two referees of their choice for you to speak to. If there’s someone else you’d like to talk to, discuss it with the applicant – you need their consent before speaking to anyone about them or you’ll be breaching the Privacy Act.

People often won’t want you to speak to their current employer until they have a confirmed …

Get your NZ Business Number

The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a globally unique identifier available to all Kiwi businesses, including sole traders, and it comes with a growing list of benefits.
What's the NZBN? The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique identifier available to every business in New Zealand. It provides an easy way to identify different businesses, and to share and update business information.

New Zealand companies and public sector agencies are automatically given an NZBN. Sole traders, partnerships and trusts can register for one.

Information about each business is listed in a secure online register, managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Why get an NZBN It’s free to get an NZBN. Any business operating in New Zealand can get one – whether you’re a sole trader working from home, or a multi-national organisation. An NZBN:

identifies you as a real NZ business
should save you time by reducing the number of places you need to …