Tips to Get the Most Out of Reference Checks

Tips to Get the Most Out of Reference ChecksTips to Get the Most Out of Reference ChecksInterviews reveal a lot about potential hires - but they may leave some stones unturned.Reference checks can give you mora insight into a candidates experience, abilities, work ethic and more. Theyre like insurance policies that could save you the cost of a bad hire. Too often, though, hiring managers hurry through or even skip this vital step.To be doubly sure of a candidates abilities before making a job offer, it helps to find out more about that person from other sources. Here are several best practices for reference checking that can help improve this important aspect of your hiring process.Dont pass the buckBusy managers often delegate reference checks to menschlich resources staff or another member of the bewerberinterview team. But if youre the one the new hire will report to, its important that you take the time to speak to their references personally - because you have the most at stak e.Take time to prepare before contacting anyoneGet organized and compile a list of reference check questions. Here are some basic queriesWhat were the candidates primary responsibilities and last job title?What are their most outstanding skills or qualities?What additional training could they benefit from?How did they react and respond to feedback or constructive criticism?Would you rehire them? Why or why not?Pick up the phoneIts quick and easy to simply email questions to everyone on a candidates list of references, but this method wont yield the best results. For one, your email may never even make it to their inbox if they have a strict spam filter. Speaking directly with a person is ideal, as people tend to go into more detail in phone conversations.Dont ask close-ended questionsWord your reference check questions in a way that requires thoughtful answers, and avoid putting words in the references mouth. For example, dont ask, You think Jill is a team player, right? A better wa y to phrase this would be, Can you tell me about Jills collaboration skills?Listen closely for things that are not saidPay attention to cues that indicate a non-endorsement, such as hesitations in a references response or qualifying statements like, He was a fairly good bookkeeper. Also, the persons tone might be telling when talking about certain aspects of a former employee.Document the callsCreate a spreadsheet and log the date and time of each reference check. Take good notes during the conversation. Afterward, jot down all impressions you gleaned from the call.Avoid cold callingStart with the references the candidate has provided to you. If you want to contact any person who is not on that list, such as former supervisor, ask the candidate to make the connection first. To do otherwise may come across as unprofessional and put your company in a bad light. And never call a current employer without the candidates express permission.Aim for varietySome job candidates will give hiri ng managers a list of their former bosses. Others may only provide contact information for present and past colleagues. For a 360-degree picture of a potential hires technical and nontechnical skills, collegiality, strengths and weaknesses, and so on, try to talk to more than one type of reference.Get expert guidanceReference check regulations differ by state. If you have any doubts about whether to ask references a certain question about a candidate, then be sure to consult your companys legal or human resources department before making contact.In a competitive hiring climate for accounting and finance professionals, you may be tempted to make an immediate job offer to a promising candidate who aces the interview. But rushing the process can lead to mistakes. So, ask for references and take the time to call all the people on the list. Reference checks are a way to confirm that your golden candidate is the real deal.Do you need to expand your team?Whether you need to staff an interi m leadership role or tap specialized expertise for a critical project, Robert Half Management Resources can help. Our experienced team of financial and business systems consultants are available individually, or on a team basis.Learn more about our services by clicking on the button below.HOW WE CAN HELP