When it comes to reference checking, there are a few things you'll want to avoid if you want to get the most out of the process. 

Here's what to avoid if you want to get the most out of references and make better decisions about potential employees.

Asking Leading Questions

When you're speaking with a reference, it's important that you avoid asking leading questions. This is when you ask a question that suggests a specific answer or implies that you already know the answer.

For example, asking a reference something like "John was always late for his shift, wasn't he?" is a leading question. This type of question puts the reference in an awkward position and could bias their response.

Instead, ask open-ended questions like, "Can you tell me about a time when John was late for his shift?" This will allow the reference to give you a more honest answer. It also shows that you're interested in hearing their perspective. This way, you're more likely to get unbiased feedback about a potential employee.

Not Checking Multiple References

When you're reference checking, it's important to speak with multiple references for each candidate. This will give you a more well-rounded view of the candidate and their work habits. If you only speak with one reference, you only get one perspective on the candidate. This can lead to biased feedback that could easily turn into a bad hiring decision.

It's also important to check references from different types of relationships. For example, you might want to speak with a former supervisor, co-worker, and client. This will give you a more complete picture of the candidate.

For example, a former supervisor might be able to speak to the candidate's work ethic, while a co-worker can speak to their interpersonal skills.

Asking the same questions to each reference can also be helpful. This way, you can compare and contrast the answers you receive to get a better sense of the candidate's strengths and weaknesses.

Starting the Reference Check Late

It's important to start the reference check process as early as possible. This way, you can avoid any potential delays in the hiring process.

If you wait until the end of the hiring process to reach out to references, you might not have enough time to speak with everyone. This could lead to bad decision-making and a rushed hiring process.

Starting the reference check early also shows that you're committed to making a well-informed decision about the candidate. This can help build trust with the references and make them more likely to give you honest feedback.

These are just a few mistakes you'll want to avoid when reference checking. If you're interested in learning more about reference checking, check out a reference checking platform that offers a simple and efficient way to confirm a candidate's abilities.