Professional Reference or Verification of Employment

Amended: 4/15/2023

Provided by: Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources:

• Collective bargaining agreements 
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook
• Faculty: Faculty should refer to the handbook of their primary school affiliation for guidance.
• Background check information and resources

This policy applies to all staff, temporary staff, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, independent contractors, affiliates or any other members of the Tufts community, including those hired contractually or who work under faculty or postdoctoral scholar handbooks, or who are otherwise covered by a collective bargaining agreement. 

Verification of Employment.  Employees may require a verification of their employment for personal credit needs, such as mortgage loan verification. There are occasions when professional references are requested from employees for their professional portfolio, for applications to academic programs or other personal needs.

As part of the hiring process, for at-will, contract, and temporary staff, as well as all faculty positions the University verifies employment and identity, collects professional references and background check information for the final candidate who is offered employment at Tufts, to the extent permitted and in accordance with applicable law. 

Verification of Employment. Employees may require a verification of their employment for personal credit needs, such as mortgage loan verification. There are occasions when professional references are requested from employees for their professional portfolio, for applications to academic programs or other personal needs.

Tufts Support Services (TSS) will verify third party verification requests, including credit references, such as a mortgage. If the request is made by phone, TSS staff will verify current employment status and dates of employment, but only if such information is stated first by the caller. Additional information including compensation information will not be released without express written permission by the Tufts employee.

All external reference inquiries should be forwarded to TSS for employment verification.  Individuals may choose to provide a former colleague a personal reference, based on their observations and experience as a co-worker. 

To refer for employment verification, contact TSS@tufts.edu