You may have heard it said that reference checks are the “stupid” check…is the candidate stupid enough to give you a bad reference?
But reference checks can be a valuable use of time when approached with a different mindset.
Here is the problem: often, when we check references, WE HAVE ALREADY DECIDED IN OUR MIND TO HIRE THE CANDIDATE. Thus, we go into the reference call listening only for what we want to hear.
Solution: take 2 candidates though the whole interview process, checking 2 or 3 supervisory references for both. Probe for candidate flaws by asking, ”since no employee is perfect, what are the 1-2 things you think he/she most needs to improve?”
Then you can make your hiring decision with confidence, knowing you haven’t settled for just another “stupid” check!