What do you ask when reference checking? Lots of people call a referee and simply ask for their opinion. Open ended questions will get you some nice (neutral/safe) information for most candidates. While it is good to include open ended questions, you risk not getting to valuable information that will help make the right decision about whether to make an offer.
Here are some things to remember if you’re doing your own reference checking:
1. Speak to the right person
The best referee is someone who has directly managed the candidate for a reasonable period of time. Ask the candidate for the referee’s title as well as name and contact number. Check this with the referee and double check the length of time they worked together.
2. Structure your questions.
You will get better information if you structure your questions before calling and be prepared to spend between 10 to 40 minutes on this call, the average is about 10 – 15 minutes. Some referees are concise and power through their answers; some want to tell you everything there is to know.
3. Listen for any underlying concerns
When you’re working through your questions listen carefully to the referee’s tone of voice. Also try to notice if they seem to answer any questions in a different style to the previous questions. Do you get the feeling there is something else they’re not saying? Managers are usually aware of their staff’s weaknesses, but if there are things that were never addressed with the employee, that person may not be comfortable bringing it up during a reference check. We tread carefully in this instance, and recommend still going in to ask follow up questions, but with respect and patience. It may take 2 or 3 further questions and you might get the information you’re after in stages, rather than the referee coming right out with the issue.
4. Remember that references are only part of the evaluation process
References can certainly give valuable information. With that information you can choose to make an offer, or not make an offer. A 3rd option is to conduct a further interview with the applicant so you can investigate any concerns that came out of the reference process. Something that was an issue in one environment may not be such a big deal in another environment. This could depend on the things you value vs the things the referee values, just something to be aware of. If you choose to reinterview, plan your questions to address the topic of concern, but not the individual example a referee might have given. This is because you would ordinarily speak with a referee on a confidential basis, with the understanding the candidate will not be privy to the answers provided.
We hope this helps next time you need to reference check an applicant. Our service includes reference checks when your work with us to find your next insurance employee. Let us know if you would like to ask us about the process.