We’re trying to set up our policy for doing reference
checks on final applicants. Can you help us with some
basic guidelines? What if the former employers won’t talk?
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Although it’s a good idea to have a policy concerning reference
checks, be aware that many employers are wary of giving
them. A suggestion is to change the wording to “past employment
verifications.” If you ask for dates of employment and titles held,
you will usually get that information. But you may not be able to get further
information about performance or behavior. Even if you don’t get this
information, in documenting that you at least attempted the reference
check, you can argue that you have demonstrated due diligence.
The best bet for getting a past employer to open up and talk is to fax
the past employer a release form signed by your candidate releasing the
former employer of any liability for answering your questions truthfully.
— Jared Callahan
Jared Callahan is director, sales and marketing, for Employment Screening Resources (ESR) in Novato.