Conducting reference checks is a crucial part of the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate’s past performance and behavior. However, this task can be fraught with challenges, particularly for companies without specialized resources. Here’s a closer look at the difficulties involved in reference checks and why 20/20 Foresight’s expert consultants are better equipped to manage this critical process.
The Challenges Faced by Employers When Conducting Reference Checks
1. Skill and Preparation Required
First and foremost, conducting an effective reference check is a multifaceted process, requiring an experienced interviewer. If done correctly, it includes:
- Selecting the right references: It’s crucial to choose a mix of professional, peer, and potentially subordinate references to gain a well-rounded view of the candidate.
- Preparing comprehensive, tailored questions: A thorough understanding of the candidate’s resume and job history is essential to developing a comprehensive set of questions that cover both technical and soft skills.
- Asking open-ended questions: Open-ended questions allow references to provide detailed and nuanced responses, uncovering deeper insights into the candidate’s abilities and behavior.
- Creating structured interviews: Conducting structured interviews ensures consistency across all reference checks, allowing for a fair evaluation based on the same criteria for every candidate.
- Probing for red flags: It’s essential to probe for potential red flags, such as unexplained employment gaps or instances of poor performance.
- Verifying information: Key details provided by the candidate, such as dates of employment, job titles, and responsibilities, must be verified to ensure accuracy.
2. Time-Consuming Process
References require significant time and effort. It involves reaching out to multiple contacts, scheduling calls, and conducting detailed interviews. Without a dedicated team, this critical task may not receive the attention it deserves.
3. Obtaining Honest Feedback
References may be hesitant to provide candid feedback due to fear of legal repercussions or a desire to avoid conflict. Even when feedback is given, it can be non-specific and not particularly useful, requiring skilled questioning to elicit meaningful information.
4. Legal and Ethical Concerns
Ensuring that reference checks comply with employment laws and regulations is critical. Missteps can lead to legal issues or claims of unfair hiring practices.
5. Bias and Subjectivity
Personal biases can influence the feedback given by references, potentially skewing the results. It takes experience, skill, and knowledge to discern these biases and interpret responses accurately and fairly. Additionally, an internal employee conducting a reference check might introduce internal company biases, further affecting the outcome.
6. Interpreting the Information
Interpreting feedback requires an understanding of the reference’s company culture and the specific role the candidate held, which can be challenging without the necessary knowledge. Internal HR departments may lack deep insights into other companies and roles. Moreover, evaluating and synthesizing feedback from multiple references to create a coherent picture demands expertise and experience.
20/20 Foresight – Your Ideal Partner for Conducting Reference Checks
Instead of navigating this complex process on your own, partner with 20/20 Foresight to handle your search and manage the critical task of reference checking. Here are some key advantages we offer:
1. Expertise and Experience
20/20 Foresight’s consultants possess deep industry knowledge and experience in conducting thorough and effective reference checks. We are skilled interviewers who know how to ask the right questions and probe deeper to obtain meaningful and actionable insights. Additionally, we are well-versed in the diverse state employment laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and eliminating any concerns about overstepping boundaries.
2. Proven and Efficient Process
We have established processes and resources to conduct reference checks efficiently, saving valuable time for you, the employer. Additionally, by using a consistent methodology for all reference checks, we ensure a fair and balanced evaluation of all candidates.
3. Objective and Unbiased
As a neutral third party, 20/20 Foresight provides an objective perspective, free from internal company biases, ensuring a more accurate assessment.
4. “Back Door” Reference Checks
In addition to conducting reference checks using the candidate’s provided contacts, 20/20 vets candidates through our extensive network of industry professionals (i.e., “backdoor references). Whether a subordinate, peer or supervisor, these people can provide additional, honest insight that named references may not disclose.
5. Comprehensive Analysis
20/20 Foresight provides detailed reports that synthesize feedback from multiple references, offering a clear and comprehensive view of the candidate. Moreover, our industry-specific knowledge allows us to interpret feedback within the right context, providing more accurate assessments.
Given these compelling advantages, it would be imprudent to navigate this process without the expertise of 20/20 Foresight. Let us handle the complexities of your executive search and reference checks, ensuring you make the best hiring decisions with confidence.
Connect with us at foresight@2020-4.com.