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Are reference checks still relevant?
While most companies believe reference checks are outdated, many still rely on them to make the final determination of whether they’ll extend an offer or move on to alternative candidates. A recent interview conducted with business owners gave insight into how to conduct reference checks to get the most out of them.
What questions do they ask references?
The standard questions you should expect potential employers to ask your references include:
- “Can you confirm the start and end dates of the candidate’s employment at your company?”
- “What was the candidate’s job title? Can you briefly explain some of their responsibilities in the role?”
- “How do you know the candidate?”
What do you say in a reference check?
Should you say yes?
- Keep the information factual. Avoid opinions about issues such as personal conflicts.
- Qualify what you say. For example, “It was our experience…” or “In this situation…”
- Make your praise specific.
- Refer to specific tasks or projects.
- Avoid examples that highlight a candidate’s weaknesses.
Is it illegal to use your friend as a reference?
It is perfectly legal to direct your employees not to provide references on behalf of the company. However, the way around it is for your former boss or colleague to give a “personal” reference where it is made clear to the prospective employer that they are not speaking on behalf of their company.
Which is the best way to check references?
Checking any public Facebook posts and Twitter feeds, can show revealing information about the candidate. Also, check out their LinkedIn profile to look for resume discrepancies and recommendations. You can also check to see if they share any professional contacts as these may provide more references for you to check.
What are the questions to ask a reference?
After exchanging greetings with the reference and explaining why you’re calling, start with the following introductory questions to gain valuable context: 1 How do you know Jane? 2 In what capacity did you work with Jane? 3 How long did you work with Jane?
What is the purpose of a reference check?
What is a reference check? A reference check is a process of verifying information about a candidate during the hiring process. It can be conducted via phone or email and allows an employer to make a more informed hiring decision before extending an offer.
How often should you do a reference check?
Conduct at least 2 or 3 reference checks from the most recent managers/supervisors of the candidate. If one reference is great and you get a mixed review on the other one it is best to get a third reference before making a final decision for the complete picture. 4. Conduct the reference checks by phone.