8 min read

Web and Phone Reference Checks: Best Practices for Employers

This blog article explores the benefits and best practices of web and phone reference checks for employers. By following these best practices, employers can obtain valuable insights into a candidate's qualifications, work history, and overall fit for the job.

As an employer, you want to make sure you are hiring the right candidate for the job. One crucial step in the hiring process is conducting reference checks to verify a candidate's qualifications and work history. However, with the proliferation of digital technology, you may find yourself unsure of how to conduct reference checks via web or phone.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and best practices of web and phone reference checks, and provide tips for employers to conduct effective and legally compliant reference checks.

Web Reference Checks

Web reference checks involve sending a questionnaire to a candidate's references via email to obtain information about the candidate. The questionnaire can cover topics such as the candidate's job performance, work habits, and interpersonal skills. The benefits of using web reference checks include:

- Access to a wider range of information about the candidate: When you conduct web reference checks, you gain access to a wider range of information about the candidate beyond what they provide on their resume or in interviews. For example, the questionnaire may ask about the candidate's specific skills or experiences that were not highlighted in their application materials.

- Convenience of conducting the checks online: Conducting reference checks online is a convenient option that saves time and effort. You can send the questionnaire to the references via email, and they can complete it at their convenience.

- Ability to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate: Web reference checks allow you to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate. For example, the questionnaire may ask about the candidate's specific job duties, and the reference can confirm whether the information provided by the candidate matches their actual job responsibilities.

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To conduct effective web reference checks, employers should:

- Craft an effective questionnaire: Crafting an effective questionnaire is essential to gather useful information about the candidate. The questionnaire should cover relevant topics and ask specific questions that can help you evaluate the candidate's skills, work habits, and character.

- Verify the identity of the references: Before sending the questionnaire, verify the identity of the references to ensure that they are legitimate and have worked with the candidate in the past.

- Be mindful of legal and ethical considerations: When conducting web reference checks, it's important to be mindful of legal and ethical considerations, such as privacy and discrimination laws. Obtain the candidate's consent before conducting the checks, and ensure that the questions asked are relevant to the job and do not discriminate against the candidate.

Phone Reference Checks

Phone reference checks involve contacting a candidate's former employers by phone to obtain information about their performance and character. The benefits of using phone reference checks include:

- Ability to have a more personal and in-depth conversation with the reference: By speaking with the reference over the phone, employers have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the candidate's work habits, communication skills, and other important traits that may not be evident on paper.

- Opportunity to ask follow-up questions and clarify any issues: Phone reference checks allow employers to ask additional questions and follow up on any concerns that may arise during the conversation.

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To conduct effective phone reference checks, employers should:

- Prepare a list of questions in advance, tailored to the specific job requirements and competencies: Creating a list of relevant questions beforehand helps ensure that the conversation stays focused and productive. Employers should tailor their questions to the specific job and competencies required for the position.

- Be professional and courteous during the conversation: Employers should approach the conversation with respect and professionalism. This includes introducing themselves, explaining the purpose of the call, and thanking the reference for their time.

- Actively listen to the reference's responses and ask follow-up questions as needed: Employers should listen carefully to the reference's answers and ask clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the candidate's performance and character.

- Be mindful of legal and ethical considerations, such as confidentiality and discrimination laws: Employers must ensure that the reference check process complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those governing confidentiality and discrimination. Employers should obtain the candidate's consent before conducting the check.

Best Practices for Web and Phone Reference Checks

To ensure effective and legally compliant reference checks, employers should follow these best practices:

- Obtain the candidate's consent before conducting the checks

- Use multiple sources to corroborate the candidate's credentials

- Verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate or the reference

- Be mindful of legal and ethical considerations, such as privacy and discrimination laws

- Maintain confidentiality of the reference information and protect it from unauthorized access

- Use a standardized and consistent process for conducting reference checks

- Follow up with the references to thank them for their time and provide feedback if appropriate

Web and phone reference checks are powerful tools for employers to assess a candidate's qualifications, work history, and overall fit for the job. By following best practices and being mindful of legal and ethical considerations, employers can conduct effective and legally compliant reference checks that provide valuable insights into the candidate's potential.

Do it with Ref Hub!

At Ref Hub, we understand the importance of conducting thorough reference checks to ensure you make the best hiring decision possible. By offering both web and phone reference checks, we give you the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your needs.

Don't let reference checks hold you back from finding the perfect candidate. Try Ref Hub today and experience the benefits of both web and phone reference checks!

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