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Recruiting Strategies: Check Those References

One of the final stages in making a selection for a new employee is to check their references. It's an important step, so don't skip it! Here are a few guidelines in gathering accurate information during these checks:

Step 1: List the job-related criteria you will be checking up on. This will be an easy task seeing as how you have already prepared this for your interview. Simply make a few adjustments on your Interview Guide Form and transform it into your Reference Checking Form.

Step 2: Be sure to have written permission from the candidate before conducting the checks. Typically on an application for employment, you will include a section requesting contact information on previous employers and/or background data.

Step 3: Make phone calls to previous employers listed, to gather as much relevant information as possible. Given the increased difficulty of obtaining useful information from former employers, you may want to use the following methods in order to amass crucial facts in making your decision.

a. Make every attempt to talk directly to the candidate's immediate supervisor. Although most companies warn against divulging information about past employees, some are still willing to do so.

b. Contact the reference at home instead of the office, as they may be more candid in a relaxed environment. Do this in the evening, or over the weekend. Say, "My candidate has listed you as a personal reference and that is why I am calling you at home. Do you have a few minutes?"

c. If the candidate worked evening or night shifts, do not call during the day. You are far more likely to speak directly to the candidate's supervisor during their shift hours, who will give you specific details than the human resources department you will be directed to during the 9-5 hours.

Step 4: Conduct a background investigation. This could include credit history, criminal records, motor vehicle report, academic history and workers compensation claims. Again, be sure this is clear on your application for employment to allow permission to do so. Next time, we will discuss putting all this information together to make your final hiring decision.

Source: Hire the Best and Avoid the Rest by Michael W. Mercer