Jobseekers can send employers their resume with the press of a button.

While most people are truthful, it’s important for hiring managers to get a clear sense of the person’s character.

This where a reference check may come in.

What Do Professional Reference Checks Entail?

Chances are you’ve heard of background checks. Before onboarding a new team member, you might look into their criminal record and do a bit of digging into the candidate’s history.

Reference checks offer a vivid picture of an applicant—in a very specific way.

During a reference check, the hiring manager or screening provider will reach out to the candidate’s former employers and personal references to learn more about them.

Typical questions posed during a reference check include:

• What do you know about the applicant’s educational background or employment history?
• Can you speak to the applicant’s character, skills, and qualifications?
• What are the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses?
• How was the applicant’s job performance?
• Is the applicant eligible for rehire?

These are just some examples of the questions that come up during a standard reference check. That said, these checks may vary depending on the industry or role. Department of Transportation (DOT) reference checks, for example, are designed to meet DOT requirements. This means they will almost certainly include questions about the applicant’s drug and alcohol use as well.

Why Do Reference Checks Matter?

Reference checks offer a unique assessment of the applicant’s integrity, background, and overall qualifications.

While unfortunate, some people do lie in order to get ahead. From time to time, candidates—specifically, those who assume employers won’t check references—may embellish their resume.

A reference check is a subtle yet effective way to fact-check someone’s application or interview. It’s a great way to supplement traditional background screening. Most employers consider it an essential part of the screening process.

While personal references are always appreciated, employers should note that professional ones are just as important. A former boss or supervisor can offer a unique perspective on how the candidate behaves in the workplace.

Reference Check Warning Signs

What if a red flag comes up during a reference check?

If something doesn’t sit right with you, don’t be afraid to investigate. For example, if a candidate lists former colleagues rather than direct employers as references, ask for additional names. At the very least, you’ll want to understand the reason for this.

In addition, you’ll want to keep an eye out for gaps in employment references. Always ask questions if something doesn’t look right to you.

And finally, be sure to call professional references on their company phone line. This is key to making sure the person you are speaking with is who they say they are.

In today’s digital landscape, employers can connect with applicants from all over. This makes verifying your potential team members’ backgrounds more important than ever. Reference checks can help bring clarity and peace of mind amid the chaos of the hiring process.

Comprehensive Reference Checks for Texas Employers

Employers in Texas cities like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin will save money—and preserve their reputation—by hiring well-qualified, properly-vetted people.

This is where pre-employment screening comes in. Reference checks are no exception. At Redstar Backgrounds and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will help you through every step.

No matter your industry, we’ll craft the exact screening solution you need—searching for the same things your competitors look for in a background check.

Please contact us for details, or to set up a free consultation. For more information on our screening services, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.