Always check references when recruiting
Why you should never overlook the importance of checking references for recruitment candidates .
When I recruit, after the interviews and we have found our preferred candidate, I always follow the same process:
✅ make a CONDITIONAL job offer
✅ conditional on
#1 proof of right to work in the UK
#2 receipt of two employment references that are satisfactory to the new employer
#3 validation of any qualifications
#4 any other checks unique or vital to the post (e.g police checks etc)
✅ only CONFIRM the offer when all of the above pre-employment checks are completed ✅
People always overlook reference checking.
The same people tell me this is because many businesses will only provide a factual reference these days (which is what I also advise my clients to do).
BUT there is so much valuable information in a factual reference 🌟
🌟 it confirms job titles – so if a candiate claims to be a “manager” the reference will either confirm that or open up their untruth
🌟 it confirms dates of employment – over the years I have seen many people try to hide “bad jobs” or gaps in their employment by tweaking dates …
🌟 it confirms salary – so if a candidate is negotiating on an increase to their current salary .. our conversation gets interesting if I tell them they are not on £35,000 as they claim but rather £30,000 🤨
So my message is simple, if you are recruiting
❗️Always Check References ❗️
Would love to hear your thoughts 💭 have any candidates tried to blag their way into your business?
Johanna x
