Why Reference Checks Matter: Reference Perspective

As a reference, you play a crucial role in the hiring process. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable to employers and staffing firms alike as they strive to find top talent. By understanding the role you play, you can better prepare for these follow ups and provide information that truly makes a difference. 

Our Perspective

As a staffing firm, we act as intermediaries between job seekers and employers. We are responsible for finding qualified candidates and presenting them to clients. But to ensure a successful placement, thorough reference checks are essential. Here’s why: 

• Reference checks help verify the accuracy of the information provided on a candidate’s resume and job application. This includes confirming employment history, job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment. 

• Firms typically rely on references to assess a candidate’s skills, abilities, expertise, and work ethic. This information helps determine if the candidate is qualified for the position and if they possess the necessary attributes to succeed in the role. 

• Understanding a candidate’s work style, personality, character, and how they interact with colleagues is crucial, and references can provide insight into a candidate’s cultural fit within a company. 

• Past performance is often a good indicator of future success, and references can offer valuable information about a candidate’s work habits and overall job performance. 

• Reference checks help mitigate the risk of placing a candidate who may not be a good fit for the position or the company. 

How You Can Help as a Reference

Your input as a reference is invaluable. Below are four quick tips on how you can provide the most helpful information: 

Be Honest and Objective

Provide truthful and unbiased feedback about the candidate, and avoid exaggerating their strengths or downplaying their weaknesses. 

Be Specific

Instead of general statements, make sure to provide concrete examples of the candidate’s work and accomplishments.  

Focus on Relevant Skills

Try to only highlight the candidate’s experience that is most relevant to the position they are applying for. 

Protect Confidentiality

Avoid sharing any confidential information about the company or the candidate. This is especially important for maintaining trust and protecting sensitive information. 

Wrapping Up

By providing detailed and honest feedback, you’re enabling staffing firms to make informed decisions and place qualified candidates in suitable positions. Ultimately, your contribution and insight are essential to the success of both the candidate and the company. 

Remember, your role as a reference is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the candidate’s abilities and potential. By taking the time to offer thoughtful feedback, you are making a valuable contribution to the hiring process. 

Still not sure what value you can add? We’re happy to continue the conversation.