Reference Checking
In her presentation, Emily McLeod from WOW Recruitment emphasizes the integral role of professional references in the recruitment process. She details the importance of references for gaining insights into a candidate's prior roles and their performance, which helps in confirming their suitability for new positions. Emily underscores that while references are crucial, they should not be the sole decision-making tool. Effective referencing involves not just validating past performance and responsibilities but also addressing any gaps in employment and verifying reasons for job transitions.
Emily advises recruiters to obtain references early in the hiring process to preempt any possible delays or issues that could jeopardize a job offer. She encourages maintaining a conversational tone during reference checks to elicit open and honest feedback. Recruiters should use standardized forms for consistency but also tailor their questions to address any specific concerns their clients may have. Probing questions are necessary to gather deep insights rather than superficial information. Lastly, she suggests recruiters to also explore potential business opportunities with referees subtly, enhancing networking and business prospects. Her advice is directed towards making the referencing process as thorough and informative as possible to ensure successful and informed hiring decisions.