How Do We Make References Useful Again?

Think about the last time you were searching for a job. Were you asked for references? Did you supply references up-front?

Similarly, if you’re a hiring manager, when was the last time you contacted an applicant’s references? Was the information provided useful for your decision-making?

In a highly competitive recruitment environment (like the one we’re in) where we often need to hire the right person right away, or more likely, yesterday, hiring managers may think there simply isn’t time to check references.?

In my opinion though, reference checks are essential to ensure you hire the right person. However, it’s time to move beyond the typical questions we ask and start being more thoughtful of the information we are trying to gain about an applicant.?

Go beyond the manager

Employees don’t work in a bubble, interacting only with their manager. Team members, subordinates, and other colleagues can all have different experiences with someone, and those experiences can be helpful knowledge when hiring someone for your team.?

According to researchers at SkillSurvey, Inc., it’s wise to ask applicants for references from people other than their managers. Why? Coworkers may express an applicant’s strengths and weaknesses differently than their manager, and those differences could be helpful in understanding how someone will fit within your organization.?

Additionally, managers are likely to focus on task-related behaviors, such as meeting deadlines and working independently, while coworkers will emphasize interpersonal behaviors such as being friendly, compassionate, or listening skills. Both sets of input about an applicant are equally important when searching for the right person for your team.

Think about the new way we work

For many organizations, hybrid or work-from-home scenarios are becoming increasingly common. Understanding how an applicant will work remotely is important: Are frequent check-ins required to ensure work is being done? Does the applicant take a long time to finish assignments when not closely supervised? Is work being submitted at different hours of the day? If your organization has hybrid work options in place, knowing how a person works when not in a traditional office setting is key.?

Also, don’t be afraid to do a reference check over Zoom instead of over the phone. Non-verbal cues can provide important information when asking questions about a candidate. They can allow you to dig deeper on particular questions if you notice a scowl, smile, or smirk from the referee.?

Inquire about skills beyond the job

According to Forbes, reference checks should go beyond asking questions about a candidate’s ability to do the job well. Asking about aspects like culture and personality fit can be just as important.

“Gaining an understanding of cultural fit before extending an offer is crucial in knowing whether the candidate could be toxic or adaptable and like-minded,” explains Heidi Lynne Kurter. “References are the best people to provide insight into the type of culture that’s best suited for the candidate based on peer perspective.”

Get specific

The hiring process can be expensive, so you want to be sure you hire the right person the first time. When contacting references, don’t be afraid to get into specifics about the applicant’s performance and skills.?

Glassdoor lists two important questions to ask referees:

1. “What was one of the candidate’s most memorable accomplishments while working with you?” Hopefully, the referee will be able to list a few instances where the candidate took initiative on a project or used leadership skills to get the job done.
2. “What skills would you have liked to see the candidate develop to reach their full potential?” It’s not often you’ll find a candidate with all the skills needed for a role. So, if the ideal candidate is missing some of the things on your checklist, don’t be too hasty in moving onto another applicant. Instead, take the time to understand where you can?support personal and professional development opportunities, and assess how this could further enhance your business in the long run.

The way businesses operate has shifted, and the way employees work is changing. What doesn’t change is your requirement for skilled talent that is a good fit for your organization. It’s more important than ever to use reference checks in the hiring process to ensure the right person is hired who can help move your business forward.?