Which item would typically be requested to verify a candidate's employment history during an interview process?

• A. Portfolio
• B. Reference letters
• C. Drug test
• D. Background check report

Answer: (B)

Verifying past work history relies on getting confirmation from people who can speak to your employment and performance. Reference letters provide written validation from former supervisors or HR that attest to your dates of employment, roles, responsibilities, and how you performed. Because they come from people who observed your work directly, they’re a reliable way for interviewers to corroborate what you’ve reported about your job history.

A portfolio shows examples of your work and skills, not your employment record. A drug test examines current or recent substance use, not your job history. A background check can include employment verification, but it’s broader and often comes later in the process with consent, whereas reference letters are the standard item requested during the interview to confirm past employment.