What do they want to know? Based on what I’ve just described, do you think [Your candidate] would be a good fit here? Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to chat. It’s important to throw in some questions about your candidate’s motivations, time management, and so on. Writing: This tends to be used more when applicants have out-of-area references and when calling doesn't work. When done well, reference-checking can be illuminating and extremely valuable to the interview process. Interviewing is intense, and checking references can be too—if you’re doing it properly, that is. Did (name) prefer to work on a team or independently? Once contacted, the reference information is verified and / or completed while the following questions are asked: “Be transparent about the role, but also take the opportunity to market your position and company,” says Roberts. So you just don’t want to take any chances. Conducting reference checks can reduce the risk of lawsuits for negligent hiring - the failure to exercise reasonable care when selecting new employees. You want to make sure your questions give the reference an opportunity to speak at length, to give you more information. Sometimes, candidates will write down people they’re friends with, but haven’t actually worked alongside. Talk Shop  Starting a Business • Hiring and Growth • Finances and Taxes • Team Management, Gusto.com  Payroll • HR • Benefits and more. Checking in with a reference is a crucial part in vetting a candidate for employment. The best way to contact a reference is usually by phone. An employment background check is quite similar when you think about it. How to Best Respond to a Request for a Reference Check, See Sample Questions for an Effective Phone Interview, How to Prepare for Employment Verification and Reference Checks, Survey: 1 In 3 Job Candidates Removed From Consideration Following Reference Checks. Stress? Properly done, reference checks are an excellent opportunity to verify all the key issues in your hiring decision for the candidate - ranging from qualitative information about a candidate's skill set, strengths and weaknesses, character traits and overall ability to perform the job t hey are being considered for. KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS ARE LIKELY TO ASK: And know what your references are likely to say in response to those questions. Red flags that might call your references into question. “A reference really shouldn't be … For example, for any candidate applying for a managerial or leadership position at Gusto, Roberts recommends conducting a 360-degree reference. When contacting the reference, briefly tell the reference who you are and why you are calling. Was (name) promoted while with your company? Some employers will check references in writing, so they have a record of the reference. Reference checks help potential employers confirm that candidates have been honest in their job application and interview responses. Since they want to make sure you're someone they can trust and who will fit in well, things like this can unintentionally invite company reference checkers to do some extra snooping: Not enough references. And while it may be tempting to perform a backchannel reference — i.e., reach out to somebody who you know has worked with a candidate but is not listed as an official reference — experts generally recommend against it. You might even provide them with a copy of the job description, alongside a reminder of why you’re well-suited for the role. Next, tell the reference about the role. How about pressure? Accessed Aug. 19, 2020. Your email address will not be published. But to be effective, the practice … It isn't a huge inconvenience just taking a phone call to say someone was a good employee. For each person that the candidate gave you that was “on list” ask that person when you speak to them for 2 other people they think you should speak with in order to get a … Focus on that last question. Talk a little about the responsibilities involved, and what type of output you would expect. Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. However, Roberts recommends to keep an eye (or ear) out for these red flags: Remember, you can always ask the reference if there is anyone else you should speak with. Start with the candidate’s responses. Was s/he frequently late? In fact, it may even be a good sign: prospective employers usually check references when you're in serious contention for a job. Here’s some language you can use: Hi [Name of reference]. Keene Graphic Design10 Valley LaneKeene, Kentucky 40339, Mr. Tom Smith20 Ridge RoadWilmore, Kentucky 40390. If you’re nervous about what will happen during a reference check, it might help to know what to expect. 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