Is It Necessary to Conduct a Reference Check in Vietnam? A Comprehensive Guide 2025

In Vietnam's competitive job market, ensuring you hire the right candidate is crucial. Reference checks are a vital part of the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate's past performance and suitability. This post explores the importance, legal considerations, and best practices for conducting reference checks in Vietnam.

What is a Reference Check?

A reference check is the process of contacting a candidate's former employers, supervisors, or colleagues to verify their work history, skills, and character. It helps employers gain an objective evaluation of a candidate's past job performance and predict their future success. In fact, reference checks are used to:

• Verify the accuracy of information provided by the candidate.
• Predict the candidate's success by comparing their experience to the job requirements.
• Uncover background information not identified through other selection processes.

Why Conduct Reference Checks in Vietnam?

• Verify Information: Reference checks help ensure candidates are truthful about their skills and experience.
• Predict Performance: Past performance is a good indicator of future success. Feedback from previous supervisors can help forecast how a candidate will perform in the role.
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: References can provide insights into a candidate's strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. Indeed notes that references can reinforce your observations or uncover new information.
• Ensure Cultural Fit: Understanding a candidate's work style and how they interact with colleagues is crucial for ensuring they fit into your company culture.
• Mitigate Risk: Failing to conduct thorough reference checks can expose your company to risks.
• Reduce Negligent Hiring Liability: Conducting reference checks can reduce the risk of lawsuits for negligent hiring.

Legal Considerations in Vietnam

While there are no specific laws in Vietnam that explicitly regulate reference checks, employers must adhere to general labor laws and data protection principles. Thus, reference checks are a standard HR practice and a legal safeguard under the Labor Code. Key considerations include:

• Candidate Consent: Always obtain written consent from the candidate before contacting their references.
• Data Privacy: Handle all information collected with confidentiality and in accordance with Vietnam's data privacy laws.
• Non-Discrimination: Ensure reference checks do not lead to discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Best Practices for Conducting Reference Checks in Vietnam

• Choose References Wisely: Ask candidates to provide references who can speak to their skills, work ethic, and achievements relevant to the job.
• Prepare Targeted Questions: Focus on job-related information. Ask open-ended questions to gain detailed insights into the candidate's performance, achievements, and work style.
• Verify Information: Confirm details on the candidate's resume, such as job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the reference's tone and enthusiasm, as well as their specific word choices.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all reference checks, including the questions asked and the responses received.

Invest Talent JSC: Your Partner in Executive Search and Reference Checks

Invest Talent JSC is a leading executive search firm based in Ho Chi Minh City. We understand the critical role reference checks play in securing the right talent for your organization. Our services include:

• Executive Search: Identifying and recruiting high-caliber executives.
• Talent Mapping: Providing insights into the talent landscape.
• Leadership Consulting: Advising on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
• Reference Check Services: We conduct thorough and compliant reference checks to help you make informed hiring decisions.

Let Invest Talent JSC be your trusted partner in building a high-performing and secure future for your organization in Vietnam. Contact ustoday to learn more about our services.