Garland [Re]Source

THE VALUE OF CHECKING REFERENCES: There seems to be a slow growing cynicism about the value of reference checking. Some say candidates provide only references that will say good things, which is somewhat true. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn from their listed references or check non-listed contacts; a lot depends on how the reference checking is done. I frequently don’t just accept who they provide, I ask for specific people not listed, and the response can be telling. I have found gaps in what the candidate and listed reference say to be enough to advise pulling an offer. I am always looking for any missed red flags and misrepresentation on their resumes and I certainly ask about specific accomplishments. Just as important, I have found information which helped strengthen why the candidate should be hired. There can also be insight about how upper management kept the candidate held back from their full potential as I recently uncovered. That type of peeling back the internal workings of a company can shed light on the applicant as well. You can discover how to manage the candidate or where they may need additional development. If you have an honest person checking the references, who knows now to probe deeply, there is tremendous value in the reference process. Like most things, the value depends on how it is done.