References

Checking references may be the most critical step to the hiring process. The perspective of a direct supervisor in regard to the candidate’s past performance will be a strong indicator of future performance.

Requesting References

Request the names, contact information, and relationships of three professional references for all candidates interviewed. References should include the last supervisor. If not, this should be discussed with the candidate during the interview

If the candidate did not have a productive relationship with his/her previous supervisor, request sufficient substitute references to assess the context of that relationship.

  • A candidate’s  “bad experience” in a prior employment setting should not necessarily exclude a candidate, however, these situations require extra scrutiny

  • A pattern of bad experiences is a serious concern

Conducting Reference Interviews

Confirm the referees relationship to the candidate and level of interactions

Questions should be similar to those used during candidate’s interview

  • Adhere to EEO policies regarding questions to be excluded

  • Verify positions/dates referenced on CV

  • Confirm awards, publications, or other referenced accomplishments

  • Use several of your universal questions

  • Use several of your behavioral questions

  • Probe deeper with follow up questions when given brief generalized answers

    • “He/She is great” should be followed up with, “What did he/she do to merit that compliment?”

    • “Can you tell me more about…”

    • “What examples demonstrate that ability?”

  • Consider some of these as general questions for all references

    • “What are the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses?”

    • “What environment would the candidate thrive in most and why?” (large or small research program, degree of independence/supervision, etc.)

    • “How did the candidate respond to supervision/constructive criticism?”

    • “How did the candidate contribute to team building?”

    • “What leadership qualities did the candidate demonstrate?”

 

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