How much reliance do you place on reference checks?
August 24, 2010 by admin
Filed under Job Search
After all, would an applicant give you the name of someone with whom they did not get along or who would not give a glowing reference?
Without question, a strong cover letter and a solid resume will usually get the candidate in for an interview. The interview(s) is / are the most important component(s) of the hiring process, but to totally ignore a “genuine” reference letter, or to not follow up on any references is potentially dangerous. Although a reference would is unlikely to be a determining factor in making the hiring decision, it may contribute to prove or disprove something that you may have a perception about from the interview process.
With respect to reference letters, too often they are actually written by the employee and “rubber-stamped” by the person supposedly giving the reference … thus my reason for referring to “genuine” references. Usually the “fabricated” references are fairly easy to spot.
Certainly, the most valuable personal or work-related references are those where you have some connection, either directly or indirectly, to the person or firm where that reference has come from. In those cases, I would most often follow up on the reference. You may gain some valuable insights into the candidate that are “well-masked” through the interview process.
You must use your own ability to assess the qualities … firstly attitude and aptitude, and then experience and training, though the interview process to assess their fit for your particular needs. Looking only at what is in front of you, or ignoring it completely, can both be costly in the hiring process.
Source: Linkedin