What is Included in a Reference Check for Employment

What is Included in a Reference Check for EmploymentWhat is Included in a Reference Check for EmploymentMany employers check references as part of thehiring process. A reference check is when an employer contacts a job applicants previous employers, schools, colleges, and other sources to learn more about his or heremployment history, educational background, and qualifications for a job. What Is Included in a Reference Check? A reference check can include several steps. The employer could simply verify dates of employment and job titles and dates of attendance at college and the degree attained. An in-depth reference check will involvetalking to referencesto gain insight into an applicants skills, qualifications, and abilities to do the job. In the case of an in-depth check, your references can expectquestions similar to those asked of job applicants during an interview. For example, they might be asked about the applicantsstrengths and weaknesses, best qualities, ability to cope with stress, etc. The employer wants to confirm that you have the employment history and qualifications you have stated on your resume or job application. The company also wants to know if you have theright skills for the joband if you will fit in well with the organization. Permission for Reference Checks An employer will need your permission toconduct a credit checkor use a third party to check you out. Your permission also may be required for your school transcripts or other educational information to be released. Employer best practices include asking for permission prior to talking to anyone about you. Most companies notify candidates that they can expect to have references checked, and you may be asked to sign a form that gives consent for a reference check. Some states havelaws regulating consent requirementsand what an employer can ask about former employees. Some of these laws provide employer protections and immunity from liability for disclosing employee information. However, many states dont require companies to get your permission except when you have asked them not to contact your current employer. In addition, the organization can check with people other than those on thelist of referencesyou may have provided them. Its permissible to talk to anyone who may be able to share information on your job qualifications. What Is Back-Door Reference Checking? Back-door reference checking is when an employer checks with people you dont list as a reference. Those people could be former colleagues or managers or other sources the company finds who can speak to your qualifications. The same laws and protections, for both applicants and employers, apply. Tips for Easier Reference Checks Line up references before beginning the interview process.Some hiring managers will want to speak to your references before considering you for a job interview. Based on the results of the reference check, you may or may not be invited to interview, so it makes se nse to line up yours before you contact employers. Follow instructions.Some employers will ask for references to besubmitted with a job application. In that case, its obviously best to include them. However, if the employer doesnt specifically ask for references as part of the job application, dont include them until requested. When appropriate, submit your references as a separate list with contact information. Itsnot necessaryto include a line on your resume stating that references are available upon request. Ask before listing someone as a reference.Most of the time, people will be happy to give you a reference provided that they have good things to say. Be sure to ask befhigung references whether theyd be willing to speak on your behalf before giving their names to the hiring manager. This will help you avoid potential embarrassment in the hopefully rare event that a former colleague, professor, etc., would provide a less than glowing report and it also helps ensure that the reference will be available when the employer reaches out to conduct a check. Choose references who have a positive impression of your work and recent experience working with you.Naturally, you want to avoid choosing anyone who would say something negative about your job performance or fitness for the role. In addition, its a good idea to choose potential references who worked with you recently. A former coworker from 10 years ago might have a cloudy memory of your performance and projects. Plus, the hiring manager would likely wonder why you dont have more recent references to share. Give your reference the information they need.Tell about the job youre applying for so that the reference is prepared to discuss why you would be a good prospect for the job. Consider giving them a copy of the job listing and your resume, or just emphasizing the skills the employer is most interested in. This might feel awkward if youre not used to asking for endorsement, but remember that youre not d ictating what you want your reference to say merely offering insight on what the hiring manager wants to know about you.