Do Effective Background Checks

Checking candidate references and talking with former employers is one of the most important background checks we do before hiring a new employee. I have the distinct impression that our comprehensive check is rare and unusual. In fact, I'm looking for data about the number of potential employers who actually check references. People with whom I talk are usually surprised to hear from me; I'm under the impression my calls are rare.

Since University of Michigan research indicates that the impact of an interview on assessing later employee effectiveness only increases the probability of hiring an employee who will be successful by two percent, other checks are critically important in your decision making. Background checks, the effectiveness of the application materials, and interviewing with many potential coworkers help assess the candidate's qualifications. Testing has proven valuable in evaluating capabilities, too.

Don't neglect checking a candidate's qualifications with your extended network either. In a recent recruitment, two candidates, who appeared otherwise to be qualified, were eliminated as a result of poor feedback from trusted sources of referral and information. For a successful career, take care not to burn your bridges anywhere along the way. A bad reference will come back to haunt you - when you least want to see it.