References
ScorpioHR
338 Posts
I am looking for some opinions/ experience with giving employee references. Both past and present ee's-At present, I only give written references. I have the request faxed to me and fill it out and return. I then file it in the ee file. I used to give verbal references and had a bad experience with that. An ee claimed that I gave a "no hire" status verbally over the phone when I had not done any such thing-Since it was a verbal, and their word against mine, I instituted the written only policy to avoid that going forward- I believe I saw a thread a bit back about what to put in the "probability of continued employment box" I am sorely tempted to write "crystal ball broken"...of course I have not done that, but, I am temptedx}> So, could I please have some feedback on how others handle references. Verbal or written? Do you answer re-hire status questions? Thank you.
Comments
I know, I know, you also have to tell the caller the meaning of verify. I lost count how many times they hung up because they did not have the necessary information.
As to written references, unless the employee/ex-employee authorizes the form, I do not release any info.
Probability or re-hire status....I do not address. But the crystal ball one works for me. I'll try it and let you know.
Hope this helps. FACTS ONLY!
When I do get requests for additional info, I merely line through and write non-disclose per company policy.
However, please bear with me while I throw a kink in here-I received a verification request back today that I had sent out early last week- The ee's previous employer verified the dates of employment, filled in last job title, etc etc. On the bottom of the form was written "blank was an EXCELLENT employee, as well as a WONDERFUL human being, she will give your organization 150%-We are sorry to see her go"- Well now! The position was open between 2 different people, they both had the qualification's necessary to perform the job. I could not decide and was waiting for the references. I guess being a "little teeny bit cynical" I thought "oh yeah!" and proceeded to call her 2 references before the last job. They spoke glowingly of this woman. I called and offered her the job this afternoon-So, now to my question. In this day of "careful, careful, careful what you say", do you think we short change the people who truly were good ee's? The other ladies references came back with dates, job title, if she was an exceptional ee no one was willing to say so...In my last company, the only thing I could verify on behalf of the company was date, title, yada yada-Anything more I had to say was considered a "personal reference" is this what the above could fall under? I have ee's who have left on good terms, I would like to say more than the old dry, yeah they worked here x:-/
Yes, that is a personal comment and I would not give it any weight. Those are not facts. Those are speculative remarks. Might as well have said, "She was our brightest shining star and will always go the extra mile and work her buns off 24/7" Hooey!
I am always finding myself in similar situations such as Scorpio's. I am not sure where to draw the line between receiving or even giving helpful information. 90% of the time, candidates don't lie about their employment history anymore, that still doesn't always help me make a good hiring decision.
If I hear "You'll be lucky to get her. She was our best performer. We really hate to lose her." Then I'm going to feret out something else like, "She missed four days in three years. She kept the rest of the department in a great mood by designating each day of the week for dressing in a special color and ordering in box lunches on Wednesdays. And she was the organizational wizard of the department, and taught the rest of us how to organize our messes." The first group of comments had absolutely no meat in them. The second did. Probing is the key. I guess you'd have to come sit beside me for six years and let me teach you.
#-o
p.s. the original EXCELLENT ee I posted this thread about could not accept the position after all-her children had to stay in the same state as their Dad-Think she might have checked this out before interviewing in another state???guess not.
I agree with Don earlier that with over 20 years of hiring you get a sixth sense, and I find the best way to feel that sense is through the interview. We have very informal interviewing surroundings and present a relaxed atmosphere you will be surprized what people will tell you. And as long as you don't ask the illegal question you are safe.