Page 82 - SKU-000506274_TEXT.indd

vant and pertinent. There is no room in the recruitment of quality people
for those who simply enjoy putting others through some form of third
degree or seek information because “I just want to know”. Do your prepa-
ration and stick to the point and you cannot go far wrong.

How do I check references?

There are legal concerns about references and many are not prepared to
criticize former employees in writing. Even the most glowing written ref-
erence is therefore unlikely to be really helpful. It may tell you nothing but
the plain unvarnished truth or it may, and this is more likely, be over-gen-
erous. Most professionals, if they take up references at all, tend to prefer
to talk to someone in authority and to stick to factual questions rather
than seek opinion. Opinions may emerge if they are strongly held.

n How long did the candidate work for the company?
n What were their main duties?
n What was the salary level?
n Why did they leave?
n Did you try to keep the candidate?
n Why (or why not) as the case may be?
n Did this person have to work under severe time pressures?
n Did this person ever cause problems?
n Would fellow employees speak well of this person?
n Did this person enjoy promotions while with you?
n Is there someone else that I might call who has detailed knowledge

of this person?

If references are important to you, you need to understand that the
information that you get is only of value to the degree that it is consistent
and confirmed by others. Pursuing references can be a time-consuming
business of limited value in which it is not the direct answers that are
important so much as the asides, tone of voice and other subtle cues.

How do I get the most out my hiring practices?

Ensure that every new team member feels that he or she is a valued
member of the team from the first moment on the job.

n Who will show them the ropes and answer their early questions?
n Who will introduce them to the people that they need to know and

show them around the place?
n Who will take them to lunch and make the social introductions?

The best use of the best people 51