How to Check a Job Applicant's References

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The Essentials of Hiring Employees

References from a job applicant's past employers help you separate job applicants with good references — meaning good employment records — from others who have a less positive job performance history.

Getting reliable information from a former supervisor is an important step to take before selecting someone as an employee of your company. Here are some tips on approaching this often difficult process:

• Let the candidate know you check references. Informing applicants that you’re checking references usually helps ensure that the answers they give you during the interview are truthful.

  
  



• Don’t delegate it. Checking references yourself is a great way to gain insight from a former supervisor on how to best manage the individual.

  
  



• Use responses from the interview. Asking candidates during the job interview what their former employers are likely to say about them can provide you with a good starting point if you can actually get the former employer to talk openly.

  
  

Remember not to rely on written references presented to you by candidates. Sending letters or e-mail messages to former employers is usually ineffective, as well. References aren’t likely to be as candid in writing as they would be verbally, if they respond at all. Companies that do respond aren’t likely to be very timely, increasing the likelihood that you’ll lose a good potential employee.

You don’t need to limit your search for reference information to former employers. You may find people in your own circle of friends or acquaintances with firsthand knowledge of the candidate who probably aren’t as reluctant as a former employer may be to level with you. Also, ask the candidate’s references for names of other individuals you may contact for information.

The best way to communicate with references is via the telephone. Calling gives you an opportunity to ask spontaneous questions based upon what was said in response to one of your primary questions. You can often detect enthusiasm, or lack of it, if you pay attention to the tone of voice.

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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-a-job-applicants-references.html