It’s no surprise to anyone in our profession that job seekers are frustrated, tentative, and sometimes capable of manufacturing entire resumes to enhance their job search. It is also amazing how salary levels fluctuate with every conversation.
When you’re presenting a candidate to one of your clients, it is much easier when you can “quote” what was said by a past employer about their performance. This gives instant credibility to your presentation and also proves to your client that you’re doing a thorough job for them.
So often, a candidate who is “on the fence” will be interviewed when your client hears what past employers say about them.
References also reveal possible red flags up front. If a candidate gives you the names of their co-workers, vendors, or peers vs. their past employers as references, you need to dig deeper. The number of companies checking references, credit reports, and background checks are on a dramatic increase.
Before you waste time representing an individual, make sure their past work history is viable. The easiest way to accomplish this is to conduct reference checks!
The most important question on reference checks is this: “Would you employ this person again, if given the opportunity?”
Often, a person will answer this question, even if they are only supposed to confirm dates of employment. Reference checks will help you to focus where you have the best chance of producing results!
ONE LAST TIP: Always talk to your candidate’s best friend. Friends know more about how this person reacts to change, if the timing is right for them, and also the REAL REASONS why this person is talking to you. They will give you information a past employer couldn’t possibly share with you.
TOO OFTEN recruiters wait until an offer is “pending” to check references, only to have the deal blow up! Save yourself time by at least checking one reference on every top candidate you’re representing. Don’t forget, reference checks are also a great way that you can market your services to this decision maker!
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Barb Bruno, CPC/CTS is a guest writer for the Top Echelon Recruiter Training Blog, and you can hire her for your next conference or event or for in-house training. Barb’s training techniques have guided thousands to a higher level of sales and profits. She is best known for her methodical, easy-to-implement strategies that she shares with her audiences. Her enthusiasm is contagious! If you would like to hire Barb, please call 219.663.9609, email support@staffingandrecruiting.com, or visit Good as Gold Training online.
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