Dear Barb:
It is getting more difficult than ever to conduct reference checks. Do you think we should outsource checking references to a third party provider? Should we just discontinue offering reference checking as a service we provide? I’d also like to know when you conduct reference checks and who conducts them.
Irene V., Evansville, IN
Dear Irene:
I would not recommend that you outsource reference checking unless it is a requirement you receive from specific clients. My reasons are as follows:
My Candidate Specialists are the individuals who conduct reference checks. We conduct reference checks when we have determined that this is a candidate we will represent.
One more tip: If a supervisor refuses to provide very limited information, I explain my reputation is at stake and ask if they will just answer one question, “Is this person eligible for rehire?” If they say, “Yes” – you have a positive reference check. If they say, “No” – go back to your candidate and obtain additional references. We also check one personal reference to obtain information not available from any other source.
If you’d like a copy of our personal reference check, please email us at support@staffingandrecruiting.com. Hope this assists you in making your decision.
Barbara J. Bruno, CPC, CTS
Would you like to Ask Barb a question? Email her at support@staffingandrecruiting.com. Each month in The Fordyce Letter print edition, Barbara Bruno answers questions from individuals in the Recruiting Profession. We will bring you some of these Q&A responses from Barb each week on FordyceLetter.com.
