How to do Reference Checks
Posted May 15th, 2017
Interestingly, many hiring managers do not do the best job when checking references. They do not probe enough or ask the best questions. Often, they are simply looking for the reference to validate their own decision to hire a person, rather than attempting to learn more, good or bad, about the job candidate.
Here are some tips to do effective reference checks.
1. Make the time to do the reference check properly.
A quick chat on the telephone is not going to result in giving you much useful information. But even that is better than attempting to do a check by email. But the worst course of action is simply not doing a check at all. If you need an incentive to do a good reference check, simply remember the cost to an organization of making a bad hire.
2. Check with at least two people.
Human resource experts recommend the two reference minimum. The more people you check with, naturally, the better picture of the candidate that will emerge.
3. Write down your questions beforehand
Know what you are going to ask. Don’t simply wing it. Plan. You can use the job description and other performance criteria for the job to help you formulate questions.
You should certainly touch on the following issues – how the reference knows the applicant, how long the reference has known the applicant, the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, how the person works with other people, how the person handles stress.
You want to ask the reference about the applicant’s job performance and how the person comported himself on the job.
4. The question you really need to ask.
This may be the most important one of all to ask a reference. Would they hire the person again? The response to this question can really offer insight into your job candidate. If the reference responds enthusiastically to the question with a resounding “Yes!” you know you have a winner. But if you get a more tepid response, something like “Maybe,” you may want to keep looking.
5. Take notes
Take notes to record the important points of your conversation, so you will have something to refer to later when making your decision. Do not simply trust that you will remember everything, You probably won’t.
If your company is looking for qualified people, Bayside Solutions can help you. We are a leading technology-related staffing agency. So, if your company works in biotechnology, information technology, or a similar field, give Bayside Solutions a call. We are here to help you.
