In today’s corporate world, HR managers often face constraints when providing employment verifications. The fear of legal repercussions limits them to sharing only basic details, such as employment dates and job titles, leaving hiring managers wanting more. While this information is helpful in some situations, often it is not enough to make fully informed hiring decisions. This is especially true when assessing candidates for roles requiring specialized skills.
Because of these limitations, many businesses now use reference checks to gain deeper insights into potential employees. Reference checks help to verify a candidate’s skills and experience. Recruiters use these checks to confirm the qualifications of candidates for specialized roles, such as IT, graphic design, or sales positions. They can provide valuable information about a candidate’s technical abilities, software proficiency, and professional network.
When conducting reference checks, ask specific questions to gather relevant information. For example, you might inquire about a candidate’s management style, teamwork abilities, or problem-solving skills. It’s also helpful to ask references to rate the candidate’s overall performance on a scale. While references provided by the candidate are likely to be favorable, pay close attention to how they answer your questions. Hesitations, tone of voice, and what they *don’t* say can reveal valuable insights.
Always verify the legitimacy of the reference. Ensure they are who they claim to be and have a genuine connection to the candidate’s previous employment. Some key questions to ask include:
* Did the candidate report directly to you?
* What were the candidate’s main responsibilities?
* What are the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses?
* How well did the candidate work with others?
* How did the candidate respond to stressful situations?
* Were there any issues with tardiness or absenteeism?
* What advice would you give the candidate’s future manager?
* Would you rehire this person?
* How would you rate the candidate’s overall performance?
Remember to maintain consistency in your questioning to ensure fairness and avoid potential legal issues. When used wisely, reference checks can be a powerful tool in the pre-employment screening process.