How important are references?
Choosing the right references when evaluating potential employees as an employer can be crucial to ensuring a successful recruitment process. References provide a window into a candidate’s professional and personal background, offering valuable insights not always visible on a CV or during an interview. But how should employers strategically approach references? Here are some key considerations:
Relevance over quantity: It’s tempting to request a long list of references from candidates, but it’s more important to focus on relevance. Select references who can provide insight into the specific skills and experience crucial for the role. Former managers, colleagues, or clients with direct experience of the candidate’s work may be suitable.
Check reliability: Before contacting references, it’s wise to verify their reliability. Ensure they are genuine and have had meaningful interactions with the candidate. It’s also important to confirm that references are comfortable providing feedback and are aware of their role in the recruitment process.
Be specific with questions: Prepare specific questions to ask references to obtain relevant and in-depth information. Avoid asking only for general comments and instead focus on the candidate’s achievements, strengths, weaknesses, and work style. Examples of questions may include: “Can you provide examples of how the candidate handled a challenging situation at work?” or “How did the candidate contribute to the team’s success?”
Respect confidentiality: Remember that while references can provide valuable information, it’s important to respect both the candidate’s and the reference’s privacy. Be cautious about asking for sensitive information and ensure that only relevant feedback is shared internally within the recruitment team.
Be open to different perspectives: Be aware that different references may offer different perspectives on the candidate. One reference may emphasize the candidate’s technical skills, while another may highlight their ability to collaborate in a team. Taking into account various viewpoints can provide a more comprehensive picture of the candidate.
Listen between the lines: Sometimes, what is not said is as important as what is said. Pay attention to tone, pauses, and avoided topics during reference calls. This can provide clues about any concerns or areas needing further investigation.
Choosing the right references can make a significant difference in the recruitment process by providing a more comprehensive understanding of candidates’ skills and suitability for the role. By being mindful of relevance, reliability, confidentiality, and different perspectives, you can effectively use references as a valuable resource in your recruitment strategy.