When you’re hiring a new employee, it’s easy to think of reference checks as just a way to catch red flags, but they can do so much more.
A quick conversation with someone who’s worked closely with your candidate can give you valuable insight into how to help them succeed once they join your team.
Start by learning how the reference knows the candidate. Were they a supervisor, a coworker, a mentor? That helps you understand their perspective and what kind of feedback they can offer.
Then, confirm the basics, such as job title, responsibilities, and the duration of their collaboration. But don’t stop there.
Ask how the candidate handled challenges. What motivated them? Were they more independent or collaborative? What kind of support helped them thrive?
You can also ask about their strengths and where they might need a little more development. That way, if you do move forward with them, you already have a head start on how to lead, coach, and integrate them into your culture.
One of the best questions to end with is: “Would you work with them again?” It’s simple, but it usually tells you everything you need to know.
A reference check isn’t just about protecting your company from a bad fit; it’s about preparing to make your next hire the best one yet.
