How to Conduct Reference Checks

Reference checks are a common trend for companies and even the general public when it comes to hiring new employees and getting babysitters respectively.  Reference checks enable a person to make sure that he/she is hiring a suitable candidate who knows his/her job well.
 

Employers make the job applicants fill a reference check form to know if the candidate has the relevant experience needed for the position, and has the competencies needed. Companies also question the job applicants on energy level and problem solving skills as well. Attention to detail, ability to work in a team as well as the reasons for leaving previous organizations are considered carefully too. A number of other related questions are also used for referral  checking as well.
 

If you are hiring a babysitter or a nanny to look after your baby, you have to be really careful. Ensure that the person you are hiring is good and will take care of your child really well. You can ask certain questions to the individual such as if they are experienced, where they worked in the past, where they live, and if they have any references to provide. You can also ask the people with whom the babysitter has previously worked with for their feedback.

Reference Check Forms

A reference checking form will ask for the name of the applicant, the position that the applicant is applying for, the name of the reference(s), and your contact details.
You can also ask the companies where the applicant has worked previously certain questions regarding the position held by the applicant in that company, the period of his/her employment, the reasons stated by the applicant for leaving the company, the main responsibilities shouldered by the applicant in the company, and then match the job title and job description provided by the applicant.
 

You can also ask the applicant’s previous organization to give a description of the applicant’s work, his/her key skills and strengths, the quality of work, the areas of his/her improvement, the candidate’s reporting structure, attendance, conduct, and also ask the previous employers to provide a rating for the candidate’s work performance.
 

Other questions are based on the candidate’s honesty and integrity, reliability, relationship with co-workers, ability to handle work pressure and conflict at the work place, communication skills of the applicant, decision making ability, and if the previous employer would like to re-employ the candidate.

Investigative Consumer Report

The reference checking forms are maintained by the Human Resources Department or the HR staff for protecting the best interests of the company. In the case of investigative consumer reports conducted for employment and insurance applications, a candidate is notified beforehand when a company orders for the report. The investigative consumer report involves interviews with your acquaintances and neighbors on your character, reputation and lifestyle.
 

You will have the right to request information on the report from the company where you applied. Note that if your request application is rejected, you can get information from the credit reporting agency (CRA); the CRA is not bound to disclose the sources of information.