Secrets of protecting your referees and making reference checks count

The purpose of reference checks

Inappropriate reference checking

Many years ago, I was working as an Internal Recruiter and happened to overhear a hiring manager talking to another employer about a candidate we had shortlisted.  The candidate was not at the offer stage and had not provided permission to be reference checked. This is horrifying as permission should always be sought before performing reference checks! I have witnessed this situation in many forms and it usually ends badly for the candidate. Either the referee is not prepared for the call, or even worse, their current employer can find out that they are seeking other opportunities.  

So how can we defend ourselves and receive the best possible reference checks?

Selection

Never underestimate a reference check as it can secure an offer or cause it to be revoked.  When selecting referees, only choose those who you know will provide a positive reference check.  First prize is to select referees who you have reported to and ask if they are comfortable acting as a referee.  It will be transparent from their response whether you can rely on them.  

The best time to ask a referee to support you in the future is when you know you have recently performed well under their guidance.  If you do not have reliable referees who you reported to directly, you can ask previous colleagues at your own level or stakeholders you performed work for.  You can also depend on internal or external clients.  Sometimes even your own direct reports can serve as good referees.  

If you have not told your current employer that you are leaving, ensure you can trust the person (within that organisation) to perform your reference check.  Alternatively, you could ask someone who has left the business.

Maintaining contact

Between the time you select your referees and the reference check, it is important to keep in touch with your referees.  In fact, it is crucial to always retain a strong connection with these valuable supporters.  This ensures that the relationship is at its best and your referees will be willing to assist you.  

You can do this by deciding how often you want to touch base and diarising this.  Try to give something back by inviting your referees to networking events or sending them valuable information relating to their interests or work.  Spoil them by taking them out for a drink or lunch and share market information with them.  This relationship should be quite natural and enjoyable as these are your unconditional fans who believe in you and are willing to vouch for your skills. 

Preparing Referees

Once you have received an offer, it is important to confirm whether your referee is still happy to provide a reference check.  Ensure that you only use your referee’s help for those roles that you are serious about as it is important not to waste a referee’s valuable time.  

You could select some backup referees for offers you are less interested in.  Determine when your referee is available and relay this information to the recruiter.  This will prevent a whole lot of phone tag and will guarantee that the referee is expecting the call.  Explain the role in as much detail as possible and provide a copy of the job description or advertisement.  Educate them about the organisation and culture.  All this information means that the referee will be well equipped to provide appropriate information and the best possible reference check.  Some other areas you can discuss are:

• Why you believe you will fit with the culture
• Your strengths that are a match for the role
• Areas for improvement (professional, technical & personal)
• Appropriate attributes
• Whether they would hire you again if an appropriate role were to come up

Other support

Final Tips for Interview Success

Written reference checks are a thing of the past and they hold very little weight.  LinkedIn recommendations, however, are accessible and viewed as reliable.  In fact, I have seen candidates secure roles before without reference checks being performed due to the strength of their LinkedIn recommendations.  In both situations, do not act as a referee for your referee as this could be perceived as a lack of independence. With both cases, remember to thank your referee once the work has been performed, no matter what the outcome is.

I have explained the confidentiality of candidate reference details to Hiring Managers on more than one occasion, but it is not often that someone can prevent a referee from being approached without permission.  

So, select your referees well, maintain regular contact, prepare them properly and request LinkedIn recommendations from at least two referees per role.  This should go a long way to making your reference checks count.

Reading about tips may be helpful, but nothing can top having an expert in your corner. If you're ready for individualised support to reinvent your career, take a look at our interview services for individuals here or for pre- and post-interview strategies, contact us to book a coaching session.