Introducing Translations: Reference Checks in 70+ Languages

Referees and candidates can now complete reference checks in their own language, with answers automatically translated back to English for your team.

Reference checks only work when the person on the other end understands what's being asked. For candidates nominating referees, or referees answering on their behalf, English isn't always the language they think in. So we've rebuilt the reference check experience to support translation from end to end, for both referees and candidates.

From choosing a language on the form itself, to reading answers back in English, here's what's new and why it matters.

Complete the form in your own language

Referees and candidates can now select their preferred language directly on the reference check form, from a list of over 70 languages. Once selected, the questions, instructions and interface all switch instantly. You can also set a default translation language on any form, so it's already in the right language before anyone even opens it.

No more guessing what a question means. No more relying on a colleague to translate. Just a form that speaks their language from the first click.

Answers you can trust, in the language they were given

When a referee or candidate answers in a language other than English, Checkmate automatically detects it and translates the response back to English, right alongside the original. Your team can review every response in English, while the original wording is always there if you need it. Nothing gets lost between what someone said and what your team reads.

Clean data, every time

For multiple choice questions, referees and candidates now see the option labels in their own language. But the answer that gets recorded and reported on stays in its original, consistent form.Translation changes what people see. It never changes what your data means.

Built to hold up under real use

Translation only helps if it's dependable. So we hardened the experience behind the scenes: faster, cached translations that don't reload unnecessarily, automatic retries if a translation hiccups the first time, and safeguards so multiple referees picking a new language at once never causes a hitch.

Why this matters

These upgrades aren't just about adding a language switcher. They're about making sure a reference check feels fair and clear, no matter who's completing it.

For candidates and referees:

1. A form that's actually understandable, not just technically available
2. Confidence their answer will be read exactly as they meant it
3. One less barrier to a smooth hiring process

For your team:

1. Consistent, English-language reporting, whatever language a check was completed in
2. No manual translation work, ever
3. The same reliable flags, logic and reporting you already trust

When the people involved in a reference check understand what's being asked of them, they respond faster, more honestly and more completely. That's better for your candidates, better for your referees, and ultimately better for the hiring decisions you make.

Getting started

Translations are enabled account by account, on request — this isn't switched on for everyone automatically. If you'd like it turned on, email us at support@checkmate.tech and we'll get you set up.

Want to see it in action first? Get in touch and we'll walk you through it.