Checking References: An important tool in the hiring process
Hiring a new team member can leave an employer feeling vulnerable or uneasy. It can be very difficult to determine whether the person being hired is really as wonderful as the sales pitch he/she is able to deliver. Let’s face it, career college managers are also good sales people. They can sell a program or degree and they are also good at selling themselves. But how do you really know the person you are bringing on board? Last month we talked about resumes and reading between the lines. After really evaluating a resume and possibly talking to the person by phone or in-person, it is important to do your homework.
References can be one of the greatest tools a prospective employer has available to them. We recommend that you talk with at least three to four people that the individual has worked with in previous positions. Many people will not be able to provide a reference from a current position but everyone should have available a few solid people that can attest to their accomplishments.
If you ask the right questions references can give you some tremendous insight into a person’s work ethic, personality and strengths on the job. Some key questions could include.
- How would you describe the individual’s management style? Was this an asset to your organization?
- What type of work ethic does this individual exhibit?
- What were some of the accomplishments that this individual had while working under your direction?
- What are their greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
- Would you be likely to hire this individual again? Why or why not?
There is one more thing to consider when speaking with references. A reference should not be the determining factor in the hiring process. It is always possible to reach someone on a bad day or in a negative work situation. Each conversation needs to considered in context. Ultimately your judgment needs to prevail over others opinions and evaluations.
