正确答案：4 Overview:References are used by most employers as a key part of their selection process, but mainly to verify facts about the candidate ratherthan as an aid to decision making. The reference check is usually the last stage in the selection process and referees should becontacted only after permission has been given by the applicant. Good referees are almost certain to know more about theapplicant than the selector and it would be foolish not to seek their advice or treat the reference check as a mere formality.Part (a)References provide further confidential information about the prospective employee. This may be of varying value, as the reliabilityof all but the most factual information must be in question.The purpose of a reference is to obtain straightforward factual information confirming the nature of the applicant’s previous job(s),the period of employment, current pay and the circumstances for wishing to leave the present employment and to seek opinionsabout the applicant’s personality and other attributes. However, allowance must be made for prejudice and charity.