Reference Cecking
References are an important past of the hiring process. Very often they are pushed to the end of the hiring process and not given the right amount of attention as time becomes tighter and a decision must be made. This is true for both the job seeker and the interviewer.
Prior to filling out an application every Job Seeker should compile a list of people that could be potential references. I have always told the candidates I work with to have a minimum of five references ready to go. This is it allows them to select references that best match the job they are seeking. Additionally, it helps ensures that at least three people will be available whenever an application is filled out. Finally, it is not wise to use close friends or family for references unless they have first hand knowledge of your professional capabilities. Always disclose your relationship to the reference iwith the interrviewer ncluding your out of office relationship.
As an interviewer, always ask for three professional references. In the case of someone just entering the workforce allow them to use a college professor or teacher from high school. I have always preferred to get references from whoever supervised their work. If I must I will allow one co-worker as a reference but I have a tendency to discount what I hear from a co-worker.
Next, always use a standardized reference check form. There are several good reasons for doing so. First it makes sure that you are comparing apples to apples by asking the same the set of question. There is nothing to prevent you from asking additional question but you will at least have asked the same basic set of questions of everyone. Next by being prepared with a reference check form it allows you to get through the reference check process much quicker. Finally, because of legalities and regulations surrounding hiring it is important that you document each conversation you in a standardized manner.
Below you will find a sample of the kinds of questions I will ask if I want to push past what is on my reference form. I have noticed over the years that I tend to get into these kind of questions if I am not getting the complete story from my reference check.
If you could change one thing that would improve the Job Seeker’s performance what would it be?
What has Job Seeker done to improve his or her performance? Additional training? Seminars? College Classes?
Was there ever a time that you saw the Job Seeker go out of his/her way to improve a colleague’s performance?
Based on what you know about our company where do you think we will need to give Job Seeker the most support?
Check back soon. I will have a simple to use reference check form for you to download. It will be in .doc format so it will be easy for you customize depending on your organization and the kind people you are interviewing.