Not long ago, I was working with a candidate who provided me with several professional references right before an interview I’d set up with a client. While I was able to reach two people and get very positive and detailed feedback, 3 other references never returned calls. Having 2 good references was helpful, but most folks are looking for at least 1-3 more.
Had the employer hired my candidate, my guess is that they would have done their own background check. And that they’d “reach out” to those references again.
Of course, if the folks being called don’t return those calls, it SLOWS DOWN the hiring process. I’ve had experiences in staffing where I could not place a candidate until references got back to me, so the candidate had to wait.
Since most professional employers want 3-5 professional references, it’s very important to make certain of the following:
1. That you have current and complete contact information for your references:
• Employers get easily frustrated with disconnected phone numbers, wrong numbers or email “bouncebacks.”
• Check with your references to make certain all your information is STILL current!
2. That your references know that phone calls may be coming:
• This is ESPECIALLY true if you haven’t communicated with references for awhile.
• Plus, it keeps your references “alert” as to why calls are coming in, and the need to answer and/or return those calls.
3. And, if you have just had a job interview, you may want to “refresh” your references memories with a simple call such as this –
“It’s Diane. Just interviewed with Zorch for the Controller Position and it went very well. Steve Jackson from Zorch is likely to call you. I appreciate your willingness to be a reference for me. Thanks”
(If you are interviewing a lot, you probably don’t have to remind folks EACH time!)
Give your past colleagues or supervisors the chance to brag about the good things you offer!
Your references can certainly be of great help as long as you make certain that they are easily reachable!
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