Taking references before recruiting

References

Seeking references is not optional. It is an integral part of your selection process.

Some Key Questions

• Do they give you enough information?
• Are they satisfactory?
• Is it better to get a reference in writing or by telephoning (if the latter use a structured proforma to ensure you are asking the same thing for each referee and keep good notes)

• Internal references can be an excellent source of information if completed accurately.
• If a manager is recommending a number of candidates it is good HR practice to get them to rank them in terms of suitability
• Bear in mind that one person's ‘very good', is another person's ‘fantastic' and take this into account when evaluating internal references
• Consider the benefits of using an external pre-employment checking bureau - they are set up to check qualifications, job history and other key but critical facts and can do so very effectively