Reference checks are a hugely important part of the hiring journey, offering more than just a brief overview of a candidate’s qualifications. In fact, they provide an independent perspective on candidates and make sure that they align with your company’s culture and values. They can significantly improve the quality of your hires! This article takes a closer look into the most compelling reasons why reference checks should hold greater value for your business than you would think.
What are reference checks?
A reference check is a crucial step in the hiring process. It involves reaching out to the candidate’s former employer, and sometimes personal or academic contacts, to verify qualifications and gain deeper insights into their character.
Employers often use email, phone calls, third-party platforms or companies like agp, to gather details and feedback about the candidate. These checks are typically conducted in the later stages of hiring, focusing on candidates seriously considered for the position.
Why are reference checks so important for the hiring process?
Research shows that approximately 95% of employers incorporate reference checking into their hiring procedures. However, it’s quite common for businesses to oversee their value. Below, we take a look at why reference checks are so important for the hiring process.
Determine if the candidate is truly the right fit
Finding the right candidate involves more than just matching skills. You want someone who fits well with the company culture. That’s where reference checks will help to assess the best fit.
When you are hiring, you should pay attention to how references respond—it can reveal a lot about the candidate. Ask questions that relate to your company culture. For example, if teamwork is crucial, enquire about the candidate’s collaborative skills or past team projects. This way, you’re not just evaluating skills but also making sure the candidate aligns with your company’s values and working environment.
Verify the information on their CV
When it comes to reference checks, one major advantage is the ability to fact-check details from the applicant’s resume and job application. Make sure to ask for references to confirm things like job titles, duties, and skills. However, keep in mind that references might offer personal opinions based on their own biases.
Applicants often choose references who speak highly of them. So, dig deeper with follow-up questions to get a clearer picture. For instance, if a reference praises the candidate’s leadership skills, ask for specific examples. This way, you’ll gather more accurate insights into the candidate’s suitability for the role.
Identify concerns and potential problems
Reference checks offer another valuable advantage: they can uncover potential issues with the candidate. For instance, inconsistencies between the reference’s responses and the applicant’s CV could indicate embellishments in skills or experiences. As well as this, references might inadvertently hint at toxic workplace behaviours, such as absences, tardiness, or interpersonal conflicts. Another concern is when a reference struggles to answer basic questions about the applicant. This suggests they may not have worked closely together, raising doubts about their ability to accurately evaluate the candidate’s performance.
Predict future performance
Reference checks also help in forecasting future performance. By hearing about the candidate’s past performance and behaviour from their former colleagues, employers can better gauge their potential success in the role ahead. Positive feedback and endorsements from references about the candidate’s skills, work ethic, and teamwork abilities suggest a promising future.
However, if references raise concerns or mention past performance issues, employers can anticipate potential challenges and take necessary steps to address them, leading to more informed hiring choices.
Protect your staff and business reputation
In addition, reference checks play an essential role in safeguarding your staff and your company’s reputation. By contacting former colleagues, employers can identify any potential issues or warning signs about a candidate’s conduct or trustworthiness. More specifically, positive references offer peace of mind, ensuring that the candidate is dependable and honest, minimising the risk of hiring someone who could disrupt the workplace or tarnish the company’s image.
On the other hand, if references raise concerns about the candidate’s character or past actions, employers can take the necessary steps to protect their team and reputation.
Improve employee retention
Conducting a reference check is highly beneficial in enhancing employee retention by gaining valuable insights into a candidate’s performance and character. When contacting former colleagues or supervisors, employers can evaluate the candidate’s work ethic, attitude, and interpersonal skills in a more informal setting.
Positive references highlighting reliability, collaboration, and professionalism indicate a potential good fit, increasing the likelihood of job satisfaction and long-term retention. That said, they can also reveal any potential concerns or red flags not apparent during interviews, allowing you as an employer to make more informed hiring decisions and reduce turnover costs.
Smoothen the onboarding process
Finally, reference checks streamline the onboarding process by providing insights into a candidate’s background and abilities. With this, you can find valuable information on the candidate’s work history and skills, allowing you to tailor-make the onboarding process.
Additionally, reference checks verify the accuracy of information provided by the candidate, creating trust between the employer and the new hire. They also uncover potential concerns or areas for development early on, enabling proactive support and resources to guarantee that the new hire is a success.
Why choose agp for executive referencing services?
Choose agp for executive referencing services for our unparalleled expertise and dedication to client satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we have honed a meticulous referencing process tailored to meet the unique needs of executive-level positions. Our team of seasoned professionals conducts thorough and confidential reference checks, providing comprehensive insights into candidates’ backgrounds and capabilities.
We prioritise accuracy and attention to detail, making sure that our clients receive reliable and actionable information to inform their hiring decisions. Not only that, but we offer personalised support and guidance throughout the referencing process, delivering timely and insightful reports to facilitate informed decision-making.
Ready to find the perfect candidate for your business? Trust agp for thorough and confidential reference checks and executive onboarding.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you achieve organisational success through exceptional candidate hiring.
