You have
survived and triumphed during the many interviews you had to attend and are now
a finalist candidate! What’s next?
Before
the company decides to offer you the job, they will probably ask for
references.
Reference
checking typically takes place towards the end of the interview process just
before an offer is made. Sometimes, reference checking can happen earlier depending
on the recruiter and the recruitment cycle.
In any
job search process, a key thing that needs to be done is to prepare and think
about your referees. A well-intentioned but poorly prepared reference can do
more harm than good.
What is the purpose of reference checking?
To the
potential employer, it provides some comfort that the candidate is authentic.
He is who he says he is. With the increasing incidence of candidates falsifying
their credentials and embellishing on their experience and achievements, some
employers require significant background checks, including academic credentials
and employment verification.
Personal
references will provide a report that is congruent to the stories that the
candidate has been telling. A skilled reference checker will ask questions that
will lead the referee to share examples and give specifics.
Typical
reference check questions include:
- What was his role/position
when you worked together?
- How long did he work in that
position?
- Why is he leaving (or has
left) the organization?
- What responsibilities did he
have?
- Describe his key competencies
and strengths
- Describe his developmental
needs
- How did he perform in his role?
How would you describe his performance?
- Provide an example of his
achievement
- Would you employ (want to
work with) him again?
Who can be your referees?
Recruiters
will ask that your referees be made up of superiors (direct manager, team lead,
project supervisor), peers or colleagues, clients, vendors, business partners, and
subordinates. These are people who worked with you in a professional capacity.
So no relatives, school friends or soccer buddies.
How to prepare your referees?
Identify
key areas you want emphasized in support of your career or the role you are
being considered for. The reference checker might ask for examples, so make
sure the referee can support their statements with some evidence.
- Arrange for meeting or phone
conversation. Review questions your referee may be asked.
- Tell your referee about the
kind of job you’re seeking. Ask if they’re comfortable recommending you
for such a position. Give them a copy of your resume, clarify your
accomplishments, and answer questions they may have.
- Suggest to your referee that
you would appreciate strong recommendations in the key areas and traits
mentioned above.
- Ask the referee what he/she
thinks about your weaknesses or developmental areas: “May I ask you what you think are my developmental needs so that
you and I are consistent?”
- Clarify the reason your
previous organization (or why you are looking to leave your current
organization. You need a congruent story, as reasons for leaving may
sometimes be vague.
- Write a summary so your referee
can refer to it. The summary will consist of the key points raised during
your conversation and the traits and strengths to be emphasized – your
career focus, summary of strengths, developmental needs, and reasons for
leaving.
- Tell your referee who will be
getting in touch with them so they are not surprised when the call comes. Even
better, schedule the call yourself if possible.
- Gain your referee’s commitment
to call you if anyone contacts him or her.
- Keep your referees posted on
your job search.