Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Art Pitcher on June 4, 2008 at 5:17pm

I always ask for a person to reference AT the company, not just the company. Then I start out by explaining it's a personal reference so they are not violating company policy if the company has an HR reference ONLY policy. If they're still reluctant to talk about the candidate, I let them know their resistance is not helping the candidate and I will have to consider their unwillingness to help a negative reference.

They usually start babbling about that time.

The above must be handled politely but firmly without offending the person providing the reference - after all, they could be your next client or candidate ;)

-Art

Permalink Reply by Steve Thornley on June 4, 2008 at 5:19pm

Thanks Art! These are Pearls of Wisdom and thanks so much for joining the group. Feel free to suggest other topics for discussion as well!

Steve

Permalink Reply by Michelle Stair on June 4, 2008 at 6:28pm

I love, love, love doing reference checks!! For me the reason is because it is really a sales call. Let me back up. The key is in the interview. During the interview I ask the candidate who they not only reported to, but also other departments they interacted with on a daily basis. Was it their accounting department, legal, procurement, or sales? Ask who in the other department was someone they worked with most often. Then do a reference with that person not just their direct supervisor. Now you have the name of someone in the other department who could potentially be a decision maker (depending on the level of candidate you work with) or a potential future candidate.

I just get people talking and I find a hot button and hone in. I've made sales appointments through reference checks and even taken job orders because I know they just lost someone and I've got a database of people just like them ready to slide into the open position! Oh and don't forget flattery! I might say something like, "Mr. Thornley suggested I phone you directly because he thinks highly of your mangement skills and business acumen. Do you mind if I take a moment and ask you about Mr. Thornley's work?"

Permalink Reply by Steve Thornley on June 4, 2008 at 6:34pm

Thanks for the info and I agree! Of course they will give you a great reference on Mr. Thornley, but the ability to turn a reference check in to a sales call is such a good skill to hone. In fact, I took a job req just this week from a ref check to sales call that I did about six months ago. Proof in the pudding. Thanks again Michelle.

Permalink Reply by Kate Becker on June 4, 2008 at 6:37pm

My company has had great success in using a tool called SkillSurvey (skillsurvey.com) which provides a pre-hire 360. It's very much based on behavioral questions and allows you to have a focused discussion on areas of concern presented through the SkillSurvey report if follow-up is needed. We see turnaround time in less than 2 business days - a total workload saver for our recruitment coordinators!

Permalink Reply by Steve Thornley on June 4, 2008 at 6:46pm

Thank you...this sounds like something worthwhile to check out! Afterall, anything that can keep us on the phone making the "Money Calls" is a great time saver.
-Steve