|
Dear HR Guru,
I neglected to check the references for the last person I hired and everything turned out okay. Aren't my instincts more important than reference-checking? Or is there something I should know?
Dear Employer:
There definitely is something you should know! Almost all employers ask for references, but few actually check them, even though checking references could be the single-most important part of the hiring process. It can't be stressed enough - always check references.
An estimated 90% of hiring mistakes could be prevented by simply checking references. But unfortunately, many employers rely on their own impressions of the candidate based on resume, application and interview.
Always ask permission from the candidate first. This can be done verbally, or with a signature on an application form.
First of all, never just check one reference. Always check all of the candidate's references. Also, do the checking yourself so that you're hearing the information directly. This also puts you in a better position to probe for additional details if necessary. Quite often, it's the little bits of information that are most revealing.
Checking references needs to be treated with as much care and attention as selection interviews. Try to avoid yes-and-no responses; stick to open-ended questions and listen intuitively. For example, questions that are answered with hesitation should set off warning bells.
For obvious reasons, one of the most revealing questions is: "Would you hire this person again?"
There are three ways to check references: in person, by phone, and by mail. In person will be the most revealing method, but it's likely to not be the most practical. Checking by mail is the least productive, simply because former employers may not want to take the time to write a letter.
That leaves checking by phone. This is the most common means of checking references because it is immediate, relatively inexpensive and you can pick up on voice cues.
According to Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc., a surprising 75% of employers don't check references. These employers may be opening themselves up to lawsuits, due to an emerging theory of employer liability known as negligent hiring.
Negligent hiring becomes an issue when an employer knew, or should have known, that an employee presented a foreseeable risk of harm. That's why it's so important to take the necessary steps before hiring to determine if the employee is suitable for the job.
|
