The Importance of Reference Checks

The Importance of Reference Checks

Insight from Jacob Kaplan-Moss

Running a reference check on a candidate can save you hundreds of hours of headaches.

There are too many variables that can be missed in the previous steps to take a chance on moving forward without checking references.

A candidate can be smooth in a one-on-one interview, but maybe they’re great at bluffing their way through the behavioral questions. They may have knocked the technical assessment out of the park, but they could end up being the reason your best performer leaves the company.

This is where the reference check comes in.

What’s the best way to get it done?

Here’s a simple framework:

• Start conducting reference checks only after you’ve decided that you’re going to make an offer to the candidate. There’s no point wasting time hopping on multiple calls for each candidate that makes it to the last stages.
  

• Request 2-3 references from the candidate. Ideally, at least one of these should be a previous manager.
  

• If possible, try to conduct the checks via phone or video call rather than email. References are more inclined to be straightforward in their opinions in a synchronous call, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask follow-ups if you sense any hesitancy in their endorsement.

Outside of the obvious questions (‘In what capacity did you work with the candidate?’, ‘What were their responsibilities at the company?’) ask the questions that give the opportunity for real, more unfiltered opinions to pop-up:

• How would you describe the candidate’s relationship with their team?

• Would you hire them again?

• Anything else about them that you think it would be helpful for me to know?

Nine times out of ten, reference checks will go fairly smoothly. Occasionally, however, a red-flag will come through.

Unless it’s something major (unethical behavior, embezzled money from the company, etc.), it’s helpful to look at these red flags as opportunities to have an additional conversation with the candidate and learn a little bit more.

You’ll only find out by conducting the reference check, so don’t skip them!

Learn More: OPM’s guide on conducting reference checks