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 they are being considered for.
There are a few different types of reference checks; however, great references start with effective preparation and ensuring you are prepared to ask the right questions. A great way to do this is to draft a script to ensure you stay on-topic and ask the questions you need to ask when checking references.
When it comes to the final stage in the acquisition process, are you conducting a reference check with a former boss or current BFF? An unprepared Hiring Manager may not know the difference – exposing the organization to the pricey, yet avoidable, impacts of the cost of a bad hire.
Continue reading “Candidate Reference Checks: Preparing for a reference call”