Four tips for conducting a proper reference check

Written by Tenant Screening Services, LLC

Calling a candidate’s previous employers is a good way to get a better idea about the candidate you are about to hire. Most firms hire an agency to conduct a criminal background check for employment, but often the human resources department will call or email candidates, previous employers. However, most Hiring personnel tend to rush this process and this may cause them to make a mistake on their hiring choices.

Take it seriously – This is an important step and should not be taken lightly. Therefore hiring personnel should have a list of questions that need to be answered. This will ensure that all areas are covered and all candidates are treated fairly.

Conduct at least 2 verbal reference checks – A CV or an interview with a candidate will not provide the interviewer an entire picture about a potential employee. Therefore asking at least 2 previous employers about the candidate will provide a clearer picture.

Plan your questions carefully – Avoid asking a question like how much leave did the candidate take or if they were a good staff member. These questions will not help you learn very much. Instead ask the employer about the candidate’s core skills, how the company measured the candidate’s performance and if the candidate met these expectations.

Ask one hypothetical question – This question should be if the employer would ever re-hire the candidate. The reply you are looking for is a definite yes.

You reference check should happen alongside other employment checks like a candidate’s criminal history, driving history and education details. These details are best verified by seeking the help from a reputed employment background check services firm.

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Tenant Screening Services, LLC provides tenant screening services including instant criminal background checks online.