Everything You Need To Know About Reference Check
An employment reference check entails gathering information about an individual from prior employers, schools, colleges, and other publicly available sources. The employer confirms the information provided by the candidate during the job application and verifies information such as education, job experience, family background, personal identification, and so on through reference checks. Before accepting a job applicant, the employer normally does this by hiring reference checking services.
Did you know? A SHRM poll found that 92 percent of companies do job reference checks as part of the employment process.
What Does A Reference Checking Service Include?
A reference check involves several steps such as:
- The employer simply confirms dates of employment and job titles, as well as dates of college attendance and degree earned.
- Talking to references to get insight into an applicant’s skills, qualifications, and abilities to accomplish the job is part of an in-depth employment reference check.
- Your references can anticipate inquiries identical to those requested of job candidates during an interview if an in-depth job reference check is conducted.
- The employer also demands to learn if you have the necessary abilities for the position and if you will be a good fit for the company.
Purposes Of Performing Job Reference Check
- To ensure that the applicant’s information on resumes, application forms, and during interviews is accurate.
- To see if the candidate has any criminal history or background.
- Employment reference check determines whether the applicant possesses the necessary skills for the position and if he is a good fit for the organization.
- To discover any patterns of conduct (good or unpleasant) displayed by the candidate during his prior employer’s tenure.
- Screening identity check determines the applicant’s developmental needs and the suitable first learning & development when the application is new to the company.
- Gaining insight into the applicant’s past behavior and estimating his likelihood of success in his current position.
- When a new employee is assigned, the present employer also does reference check.
PRINCIPLE POINTS:
- Reference checking services allow potential employers to learn more about a job applicant by speaking with people that know them and have collaborated with them.
- A company may use a form with typical questions to conduct a screening identity check. This enables them to ensure that each candidate provides the same information.
- Job reference checks are an essential element of the employment process that normally takes place right before a job offer is made.
How Reference Checks Impact Your Business
PROS:
- If a negligent hiring claim is made, employment reference check gives one line of defense.
- Job reference check can help the employer acquire insight about the candidate from someone who has already worked with him or her.
- A reference checking service reveals facts that can assist you determine whether or not someone is exaggerating their résumé, as well as when to seek clarification.
- Screening identity check can be a good method to learn more about what it’s like to work with the individual.
CONS:
- A well-prepared candidate will never provide you terrible references, so calling people who will only say positive things and provide no further information may seem like a waste of time.
- References can be deceiving. You may receive false info that excludes someone who would otherwise be a terrific hire.
- Even if it isn’t an intentional untruth, reference check results can be incorrect.
- Because he or she may not have informed the company that he or she is looking for a new job, a candidate may be hesitant to allow a reference from his or her current workplace.
Why Companies Prefer To Hire Reference Checking Services
Let’s see why the most senior managers prefer to conduct a thorough employment reference check before hiring:
Tips For A Convenient Reference Check
- Follow the directions.
- Before starting the interview process, get references in order.
- Before using someone as a reference, be sure you ask.
- Pick references who have a favorable opinion of your work—and have worked with you recently.
- Provide your reference with the details they require.
Bottom Line
If you discover anything during employment reference checks that could influence your choice, you should contact the job prospect for explanation before making any final judgments. Remember that unfavorable information might be discovered for a variety of reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the person isn’t a good fit right now. Examine each situation separately.
By conducting thorough and objective reference checks, businesses can mitigate the risk of making a wrong hire, ensure the credibility of candidate information, and make informed hiring decisions. These services not only enhance the overall quality of the workforce but also contribute to a more efficient and reliable recruitment process, saving time and resources in the long run.
Incorporating reference check services into the hiring strategy demonstrates a commitment to due diligence and helps build a strong and successful team.