Eight Essential Tips when Checking References.

Checking applicants´ references is one of the most  important procedures in the hiring process. 

Many job seekers misrepresent their backgrounds and credentials; others simply leave out important information. And no matter how honest applicants are, you can still learn a great deal by talking to other people who know them well.

In essence, a reference check can help you confirm whether hiring a particular candidate is a good choice or not.  

Your last Opportunity?

But more importantly, it can also give you another vital - and maybe your last opportunity  - to gain additional information and insight into the candidate's skills and abilities........before you make your final decision. 

A negative reference could save you from hiring someone who is woefully unqualified for a job or who has destructive tendencies that could land you in trouble. For example, you can be held liable for a new hire who becomes violent and injures an employee or customer, or commits fraud — if its proven that a reference check would have stopped you from hiring the applicant. 

Remember- checking references  will take time, but it can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.

First, choose one or two references to call, which the candidate has provided. 

If you need additional personnel from a particular department in your company to help you with the questioning, gather them in your office.

Call the number provided and introduce yourself to the person and ask for permission to conduct a reference check. If the person is busy, ask if you can call him later.

1. Inform Applicant

Tell all applicants that you will check their references before you make any hiring decisions. Business owners often hire applicants because of a sharp-looking resume or a "good feeling" from an interview. No matter how quickly you´d like to get a position filled, always perform due diligence before you take the hiring plunge.

2. Prepare Questions in advance 

Have some questions prepared in advance of the phone call. Try to use the time of the call wisely. You can use this opportunity to confirm the information on the candidates resume, and also seek out information on his work ethics and behavioral competencies.

3. Assure Confidentiality

Telling the person that the conversation will be strictly confidential can put him at ease before answering your questions. Taking notes thorough the conversation can often be helpful.

4. Look for gaps or anomalies

A reference check can help you confirm the information you got from the resume and the interview. If speaking with a former employer, you can ask for the dates of employment to verify with the information provided by the candidate. Look for any gaps or anomalies in the candidates history.

5. Ask for assessment

You can ask for an assessment of the candidates ability and how he performed on his job responsibilities. This can be very helpful information and can help you predict future performance. You can also ask about the reason for the separation with the employee.

6. Use common sense with positive
 references

 Put less weight on positive references. Most people can find someone to say something good about them. And some employers give positive references even to bad ex-employees because they are afraid of legal action or are tired of paying unemployment taxes on the applicant.

7.   Past Salary?

 8.  A more informed decision

All this information can help you make a more informed decision. A reference check, in conjunction with an interview and a background check can help you in the employee selection process. The information that you get from a reference check may end up solidifying your decision to hire a person or give you information that makes you feel you need to change your decision.

 copyright 2005 interview Questions