References and Checking References
Checking an applicant’s references is an important part of the hiring process. Reference checking usually falls under the purview of the human resources group, but in some case the hiring manager may also want to talk to the former employer about the candidate. Reference checks to former supervisors and coworkers can provide information about … Keep Reading → work ethics, absenteeism, skill level, job title, salary range and work experience while personal references will shed light on the applicant’s character. More thorough background checks for past criminal records, credit checks and lying about educational credentials are left to HR professionals or commercial background checking agencies. Because of legal issues in hiring decisions including discrimination of applicants or liability from hiring an employee who steals from the company, reference checks need to be more than a casual phone call to the applicant’s friend. Many companies address the legal issues by having the applicant sign a release that permits the hiring company to ask detailed questions about prior employment; otherwise, the company will only release employment dates and salary and job title. Prepared questions based on the applicant’s resume and interview will provide the most relevant information. Learn more about checking references of potential new hires in this Hub.
