5 Reasons You Should Call Your Job Candidate's References

Nov 11, 2021

Requesting professional references and sometimes personal references is a standard component of the job application process. Unfortunately, many employers fail to take full advantage of these important tools for evaluating candidates. Reviewing references can provide great insights into a potential hire that are impossible to fully gather in an application or interview. 

Reasons to Contact a Candidate's References

While most applicants will be sure to include only references who are likely to present them in a positive light, contacting them for their perspectives allows employers to take a deeper look at potential hires beyond how they present themselves. Some great reasons to call both professional and personal references include:

1. Learn About a Candidate's Work Habits

Former colleagues and employers can offer excellent insights into whether a potential hire was a team player, had a good work ethic, was enthusiastic or dedicated, able to meet job requirements and much more.

2. Explore a Candidate's Personality and Activities

Getting a better sense of applicants' interests and activities in and out of the workplace can help you get a better perspective on who they are as individuals.

3. Verify Application Details

Critically, reference checks can be used to verify information on applications, including work experience, job duties, ability to work with a team, achievements, and more.

4. Determine if a Candidate Will Fit With Your Organization

Speaking with others who have known and worked with potential hires can help you gauge whether they will fit in well with your workplace culture and current employees.

5. Identify Good Candidates Who May Otherwise Be Looked Over

Some applicants may seem lacking on paper or may interview poorly, though their qualifications or other details make them worth considering. Through conversations with references, those faults may be addressed and even overcome. 

At Employers Reference Source Inc., our expert team offers in-depth checking for both professional and personal references in compliance with all relevant legal requirements. Contact us today to see how reference checking can help you make the best hiring decisions.

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