Many hiring managers overlook the importance of checking the references of a potential candidate. However, you are taking a huge risk if you don’t take the time to do this. By checking the candidate’s references and speaking with their former supervisors or co-workers you will learn a lot more about the candidate than they have willingly told you.
Some tips for reference checking!
Check the Facts - The biggest thing when checking references is to verify that the information the candidate has provided is correct. Confirm the start and end dates, position title, and responsibilities given to you by the candidate to make sure that nothing has been exaggerated.
Find out the relationship between the candidate and reference- A former co-worker who still meets the candidate for drinks every few weeks should probably be taken a little less seriously than a senior manager who they only had a working relationship with the candidate. It is beneficial to speak to multiple types of references, but the questions should be tailored to fit the different relationships.
Be Prepared! - Write down the questions you want to ask. This way you aren’t searching for things to say once you get the person on the phone.
Ask Questions About Performance and Ability - The next step is to ask questions that will tell you about the candidate’s work ethic and contribution in their previous positions. Question the candidate’s attendance and timeliness, as well as how they worked with others.
Explain the Job the Candidate is up for - Give the reference a brief description of the position you are hiring for and ask if they believe the candidate would be a good fit.
Thank the Person for Their Time - References are not forced to answer your questions or even take your phone call or e-mail (although the people chosen as references should have been asked by the candidate to do so). They are taking time out of their day to help you make the best decision for your company, so make sure to end the conversation by thanking them for their time and opinion.
Also, consider these:
Most supervisors will go out of their way to speak highly of a strong candidate. If a reference is giving you the run-around or not returning your calls, this could also tell you something about your candidate.
If you check one reference, check them all. It is always better to get multiple opinions. The first person you call may give you an “okay” reference but the next two could give glowing reviews of your candidate.
Don’t get discouraged if the reference won’t answer your open-ended questions. Many companies have a policy that prohibits employees from giving information beyond start and end date, position, and salary.
Remember that checking references could save you from hiring an unreliable or ill-qualified candidate. Making the effort in the beginning could save you a lot of time and aggravation in the long-run!
