A lot of us consider reference checks nothing more than a mundane, arduous and time-consuming task. <\/p>\n
This is completely untrue! A reference check unearths a colossal amount of accurate information of a prospective candidate\/ an existing employee. It sifts out the right fit candidate from the huge applicant pool. Without this as a part of the hiring process, HR Managers would not be able to determine the candidate\u2019s cultural fit, past performance, attitude, aptitude, etc. Why not take advantage of a previous employer\u2019s experience!<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, even in today\u2019s times, the hiring process has a lot of subjectivity \u2013 like the traditional \u2018gut instinct\u2019. A gut instinct about a potential applicant should be considered, but it should not become the sole reason for hiring. This is where a reference check comes handy. It helps the HR manager in ascertaining a candidate\u2019s selection quotient. Hiring the wrong person can be detrimental for any employer. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 3 in 10 of responding employers said that when they checked a candidate\u2019s references, a professional contact did not have positive things to say. In addition, 29 percent of the employers surveyed detected a false reference on a job seeker’s application.<\/p>\n
Recently a candidate applied for the post of a sales manager\u2019s job at an HR outsourcing company. His application was rejected after the company found out via a reference check from the previous employer that he had left his former job without serving the notice period. The reference check also brought to light that his resignation letter and pay slip were forged.<\/p>\n
The above-mentioned is not a stray case. As per a survey by the ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation, 3-4 per cent candidates fail their background checks. India Inc. is waking up to global trends. Companies in India now are vetting potential employees across levels. There have even been cases of job offers being revoked because of discrepancy arising in the background verification.<\/p>\n
Now that you\u2019re determined to become a smart recruiter by reference checking, the important question is what to ascertain in the reference check? Also should every candidate go through the process?<\/p>\n
The answer to this is that every applicant who is issued an offer letter should be put through the process of reference checking. An addendum can be inserted in the offer letter, stating that the candidate will be issued the appointment letter subject to a satisfactory reference check.<\/p>\n
The reference check format should be such that it incorporates question that are of relevance to your organization and the job-fit. The questionnaire should begin with basic questions like relationship with the applicant, period of knowing each other. It should then move to ascertaining the candidate\u2019s communication and inter personal skills. Another factor to be incorporated is the applicant\u2019s aptitude towards work and how result\/objective driven is he\/she. A section should be dedicated to the candidate\u2019s professional and personal strengths and weaknesses. Finally a segment should be added for additional comments. This should be put to capture any behavioral\/ attitudinal aspects that the reference may want to highlight about the candidate.<\/p>\n
Another vital tip – instead of contacting personal references who may only be able to speak about a candidate\u2019s general character, keep your reference checks focused on sources who have worked directly with the applicant and who have knowledge of the applicant\u2019s work experience.<\/p>\n
We at JantaKhoj specialize in background verification. The reference check verification we provide gives an insight into the applicant\u2019s reliability, adaptability, dependability, competency, professional qualifications and integrity. We have a comprehensive set of questions that you may choose from; also it may be customized based on your requirements. We propose that the best practice is to verify at least two professional references and one independent reference for every candidate.<\/p>\n
Choose JantaKhoj \u2013 Your candidate. Our verification!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A lot of us consider reference checks nothing more than a mundane, arduous and time-consuming task. This is completely untrue! A reference check unearths a colossal amount of accurate information… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3297,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n