It is in the client's best interest to do the formal end-of-process reference checks, as they are best able to ask the specific kinds of questions and deal with the responses as only the prospective employer can do. Recruiters should check some references informally early in the process to develop confidence in their candidate, and to give their client some assurance that they have done their due diligence. However, background checks are another level of scrutiny requiring access to government databases and conformance with certain legal authorizations and special processes, which are best performed by professional background investigations firms.