Don’t Skip the Reference Checks!

The best time to weed out an employee who’s not a good fit is before you offer them the job. Although some employers are reluctant to provide references, you can often glean crucial information by how a reference responds to your inquiry, regardless of how they much specific information they provide.

When references are willing to answer your questions, pay attention to details such as:

• Do their descriptions of the candidate match the impression you formed of them during the application and interview process?

• Are there certain themes about the candidate that multiple references mention?

• Do any references provide a generally positive assessment of an applicant, but balk at certain questions or seem reluctant to discuss specific aspects of that applicant’s workplace behavior?

The answers to these questions can help confirm or refute your initial impressions, enabling you to make the best possible hiring decisions.

Maybe you already understand the value of reference checks but you or your hiring managers don’t have time to conduct them, or you’re unsure of what questions to ask. You are not alone. I’m happy to help you develop effective questions, and I can also conduct the references checks for you to save you time.

Holly Morreels, MS

Workplace Leadership Solutions

hollym@workleadconsult.com