How deep to delve into someone’s past in a reference check is murky business. Here’s one expert’s take, plus notice of an upcoming audio conference designed to clear it all up for you.
In the last Advisor, we discussed the legal aspects of checking applicants on the “relationship” websites, MySpace and Facebook. Today, Employment Law Blawg originator, attorney George Lenard, offers his suggestions for applicants and employers on dealing with the sites.
Applicants
As an applicant, assume that potential employers will read everything that you put out on the Web. You can be yourself, Lenard notes, but avoid extreme views—and especially political or religious views, pictures of drunken parties, and similar obviously problematic information and pictures.
Second, he says, use the Internet and its resources to bolster your search for a job. For example, join professional sites and participate in discussions. Those will be noticed too, and to your good.
Employers
Employers should cut applicants some slack, Lenard advises. Remember, Lenard says to recruiters and hiring managers, you were young once, and may have done many of the same things today’s young people post on their pages (although admittedly, there was no Internet back then to splash them all over the known world).
Unnerved by reference checking hassles? No problem. Our Dec 19 audio conference will tell you what to check and how. Click for more info
If you do check people out on networking sites, he says, be sure to do it consistently and to not let any bias creep in about who you check or how much you check.
Employers also should seek out positive uses for the Web. For example, many already use it as their prime source of candidates. Work on your Web presence to enhance your search success, so that qualified candidates are attracted to you.
Web 2.0—Should You Be Reference Checking There?
The Web and other technological developments were supposed to make HR easier, but many feel they seem to pose as many problems as they solve. And there’s no better example than reference checking: How far should you go? Where should you go? Do it yourself or hire it out? The questions don’t stop.
Fortunately, we’ve got the answers in an upcoming BLR audio conference: Background Checks: How to Hire Honest, Qualified Employees—Without Breaking the Law in the Process.
Many feel this guidance is urgently needed, because the sad fact is that applicants are lying on their resumes and application forms in record numbers. In fact, a recent survey found that 57 percent of hiring managers across the country have caught applicants lying to get a job. And one nationwide screening service says it’s found problems with a whopping 49 percent of the checks it runs for employers.
Improperly done reference checks can have the government looking into your background! Learn to do them properly in our Dec. 19 audio conference. Train your whole staff for one low fee. Can’t attend? Pre-order the CD. Click for more information.
There’s a flip side to checking into the background of your employees and applicants, though: It’s a risky business. You can legally conduct searches and investigations only within specific constraints, and there is data you may never use in background checks, even if a worker or job candidate volunteers it. You need to know how to properly respond when your search turns up potentially troubling information, and how to avoid lawsuits brought by disgruntled applicants you decide not to hire based on their background check results.
Join us on Dec. 19 for this in-depth 90-minute audio conference that will give you practical advice for conducting effective (and legal) background checks. Our expert will share the key do’s and don’ts for hiring honest, qualified workers without exposing yourself to claims of negligent hiring or discrimination. As with all BLR audio conferences, you’ll have the chance—via phone or e-mail—to submit your own specific questions about background checks. Also, as always, one low fee trains your entire staff, and your satisfaction is assured, or your full fee will be refunded.
For more information or to register, click the link below. And if you can’t attend, pre-order the CD. The link offers that option as well.
Confused About Reference Checks?
Join the club. Who should do them? How far back should you go? What should you check? How much checking is too much checking? Find out in our 90-minute audio conference Dec 19. (Can’t attend? Pre-order the CD!) Read more.