How to Check an Employee's Personal References
For a successful employer-employee relationship to occur, trust must be established between the two. Along with a background check, employers often require future applicants to provide them with personal references. Since the applicant is unlikely to give a personal reference that will portray him in an unfavorable light, the employer should perform the reference check carefully in order to choose the right applicant.
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Instructions
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By Phone
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1
Devise a short list of questions you will ask the personal references. Keep your questions concise. Questions may include how long the reference has known the applicant, the nature of their relationship, why the he feels the applicant is a good choice for the position and any limitations he is aware of that may prevent the applicant from performing their job duties.
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2
Take the time to examine the information, such as complete name and relationship, for each reference the applicant has provided before making the call.
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3
Use a conversational tone when speaking with the reference but stick to the questions and the topic at hand. Introduce yourself and the company you are representing. State the purpose of your call. When asking your questions, listen for any clues that may suggest the reference is unreliable such as uncomfortable pauses when you ask certain questions.
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4
Write down the reference’s responses and anything else you feel is important from the call.
By Mail
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5
Prepare a formal letter on your company letterhead which includes the questions you have come up with. Include a space at the bottom of the letter so the individual supplying the information can identity herself. Add a signature line and a date line. Ask the recipient to complete the questionnaire and send back to you at her earliest convenience. Suggest that she contacts you if she has any questions regarding the letter. Thank her for her cooperation and include your name and business at the end of the letter.
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6
Mail the letter to each reference the applicant has provided. Ensure that you are mailing to the appropriate address to avoid delays.
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7
Call the reference if you do not receive a reply to your written request within a reasonable time frame.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you have received the references’ responses, compare them to the information the applicant has provided you. See if there are any inconsistencies between the information he provided you and the answers the references gave you.
Do not be overly swayed by favorable reviews from personal references. Even if the personal references are positive, still perform an employment background check on the applicant.
References
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