WHY IMPORTANCE OF REFERENCE CHECKING Protects and lowers

WHY ? ? IMPORTANCE OF REFERENCE CHECKING ü ü ü ü Protects and lowers the risk to the organization Contributes to overall performance Supports retention Confirms impressions about candidate Investigate concerns raised during interview process Substantiate or discredit claims made by candidate Gather performance related information Requirement of employment

WHO TO CALL? • Work related or professional references are ideal • Obtain a minimum of 2 references DO NOT ASSUME THAT… • The more recent the better • • Treat all reference information as confidential • Gaps/missing info are unimportant when other information checks out • An applicant with these qualification will…. . One good reference will lead to more

WHEN ? A. Prior to the interview Expedites selection B. After the interview but prior to the offer Traditional process C. After the interview and after the conditional offer Expedites hiring

PREPARATION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. . Gather the necessary information Understand job requirements/competencies Carefully review resumes and application form Look for gaps and overlaps in work experience and/or unrealistic and vague qualifications Be familiar with the outcome of the interview(s) Prepare questions using the Reference Form as a guide Contact references and ensure that timing is good

QUESTIONING TECHNIQUES 1. 2. Behavioural or competency based questions will help assess potential performance in areas such as: • Leadership • Problem solving • Critical thinking • Handling stress/conflict • Self-directed Technical or performance related questions such as: • • • Computers, software, hardware, programs… Counselling skills Attendance record Clinical knowledge Overall performance

HOW ? Hello? Conduct Check n n n Set aside time in a private area – no interruptions Confirm time is convenient for referee Ensure confidentiality Listen for inconsistencies, gather specific examples Document results ensuring objectivity Sign and Date

Beginning the Call 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Ask for the referee by name and verify title Clearly introduce yourself by name, title, organization State purpose of call Briefly outline job and requirements Allow the referee to call back if needed, provide time options Ask questions Document information provided

KEY TIPS Did you know…. • Resumé falsifying is on the rise and so is the importance of recruitment awareness. • Almost 90% of HR directors surveyed by the SHRM reported resume untruths ranging from past salaries to personal identification. • While education credentials can be verified with a simple phone call to the school, work-related investigations require a little (and sometimes a lot), more sleuthing.

MORE KEY INFO… The most common resume distortion involves education. Other typical resume falsehoods include: • embellished job titles and duties; • stretched employment dates; • Listen for words or phrases that might indicate problem areas Be prepared to have follow-up discussion with the candidate Thank the reference provider - consider keeping them as a contact for future networking