If these new references don't check out, then it's possible your contractors performance has recently diminished (or that their work is more spotty). There are many reasons why a contractor's work ...

Now that you know what information to request from a reference, you’re ready to develop your list of reference check questions. Below are 32 common reference check questions to use.

Reference checks should be initiated for all final candidates prior to recommending a candidate for the position. Obtain several professional references for each candidate under serious consideration.

Dear Matt: I was offered a job but it was withdrawn because my references didn't check out. I talked to the three I gave and none of them had heard from the employer. What's going on?