In the recruitment process, references play a crucial role in providing insights into a candidate’s past performance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. While resumes and interviews offer a snapshot of a candidate’s qualifications and personality, references can provide a more comprehensive picture of how they have functioned in real-world settings. However, to effectively use references, employers must know what to look for, how to interpret the feedback, and understand the importance of obtaining broader input.
What to Look for in References
When evaluating references, it is essential to seek information that goes beyond the candidate’s job title and dates of employment. Key aspects to consider include:
Work Performance: Inquire about the candidate’s ability to meet deadlines, handle responsibilities, and produce quality work. Look for specific examples of achievements and contributions that demonstrate their capabilities.
Work Ethic: Assess the candidate’s dedication, reliability, and commitment to their job. Questions about punctuality, attendance, and willingness to go above and beyond can reveal a lot about their work ethic.
Interpersonal Skills: Understanding how a candidate interacts with colleagues, supervisors, and clients is crucial. Ask about their communication skills, ability to work in a team, and how they handle conflicts or challenges.
Problem-Solving Abilities: References can provide insight into a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Look for examples where they took initiative or devised innovative solutions to problems.
How to Use References Effectively
To make the most of the reference-checking process, employers should follow these best practices:
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, use open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses. For example, “Can you describe a time when the candidate faced a significant challenge and how they handled it?”
Seek Specific Examples: Encourage references to provide concrete examples that illustrate the candidate’s skills and behaviours. This helps in getting a clearer and more accurate assessment.
Cross-Check Information: Compare the information obtained from references with what the candidate has shared during interviews and on their resume. Consistency in responses can confirm the reliability of the information.
Consider the Context: Understand the context in which the reference worked with the candidate. The nature of their relationship (e.g., direct supervisor vs. colleague) can influence the perspective they offer.
The Importance of Broader Feedback
Traditional reference checks, while valuable, often provide a limited view of a candidate’s abilities and potential. This is where broader feedback mechanisms, like 360-degree reference checks, come into play. Tools like SkillSurvey, part of the ICIMS Talent Cloud, offer a more comprehensive approach by gathering feedback from multiple sources who have worked with the candidate in different capacities.
Benefits of Using a 360-Degree Tool
Holistic View: By collecting feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and even clients, employers get a well-rounded view of the candidate’s skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Increased Accuracy: Multiple perspectives help mitigate the biases that can arise from a single reference, providing a more balanced and accurate assessment.
Behavioural Insights: 360-degree tools often include behavioural assessments that can predict future job performance based on past behaviours, offering deeper insights into how a candidate might perform in the role.
Streamlined Process: Advanced tools like SkillSurvey automate the reference-checking process, making it more efficient and ensuring consistency in the information collected.
References are a critical component of the hiring process, offering valuable insights that go beyond what resumes and interviews can provide. By knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and utilising broader feedback mechanisms, employers can make more informed hiring decisions. Leading Roles leverages advanced tools like SkillSurvey to enhance the reference-checking process, providing a comprehensive and accurate assessment of candidates.
If you are interested in learning more about how our 360-degree reference check tools can improve your hiring outcomes, contact Leading Roles for a detailed discussion. By incorporating broader feedback into your recruitment strategy, you can ensure you are selecting the best candidates who will thrive in your organisation.