突然のお電話で恐れ入ります。人事担当の田中と申します。田中様について少しお伺いしてもよろしいでしょうか。 — I apologize for the sudden call. I'm Tanaka from HR. May I ask you a few questions about Mr. Tanaka? (Workplace · Phone, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N3)

Gesture & etiquette

Call at appropriate business hours (10-17). State purpose clearly within first 30 seconds. Offer to send written questions if the reference prefers. Take careful notes; do not record without explicit permission. Send thank-you email afterward.

Reference check call. 「突然のお電話で恐れ入ります」 acknowledges the surprise. Always state your name, company, role, then explain purpose. Reference checks (リファレンスチェック) are increasingly common in Japan for managerial hires, less for entry-level. Common questions: working style, strengths, areas for growth—not 'would you hire again'.