Recently, recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more stringent with reference checks. Many organizations additionally check resumes of applicants by making inquiries by phone or online.
Such surveys are an extremely powerful tool to help employers understand if they really choose the best candidate for the position. Checking information and making inquiries are also one of the best ways to learn about flexible skills that are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.
Verification of recommendations
If a previous employee or colleague asked you for permission to indicate you as a person to turn to for information, here are a few security questions that you should be prepared to answer during such an interview:
- Does the candidate have interpersonal skills?
- Is a person able to adapt and solve problems?
- Does the candidate have high standards and positive values?
- Is your colleague professional and dedicated to your area of expertise?
- How does this person stand out from the crowd?
- What areas of knowledge or skills does he need to improve?
- Would you again hire or work with this candidate?
Inquiry
Companies rely on the information obtained during such screening surveys in order not to hire candidates who interfere with their work, hooligans or those who do not comply with ethical and other protocols in the workplace.
What if you were asked to give a recommendation? What questions can you expect? Here are some tips on how to prepare for useful information.
Does the candidate have interpersonal skills?
Is your colleague good at listening and communicating with others? Does he know how to build relationships? Think about how well the candidate conveys important information or manages relationships with colleagues. It is always good to consider an example when he resolved a situation with clients or potential clients.
Does a person know how to adapt and solve problems
Very often, companies require candidates to work that can demonstrate skills such as flexibility and decision making. How well do they show creativity and self-control under stress? Be prepared to describe how the candidate managed a specific project or dealt with changes.
Does the candidate have high standards and positive values
Has your colleague demonstrated a commitment to high standards and other positive values? Does he treat others with respect? When it comes to personal values, employers want to know more than what their future employee appears at work on time or completes projects. Recruiters are looking for candidates with a high degree of personal responsibility. They also seek out people who respect others.
Your colleague is professional and dedicated to his field of knowledge.
Applicants will want to know if he pays attention to details, is he learning new skills and is he following the development of advanced technologies. Employers want to hire people who are committed to lifelong learning.
How does this applicant stand out from the crowd
Since often many candidates compete for the same position, hiring managers want to know what is unique in this candidate. Think and be prepared to share the strengths of your colleague. What makes him or her special?
In what areas can a candidate achieve improvement?
Conversely, in what areas could your colleague do better? Try to formulate the answers in a more positive light, for example: “He worked on developing his communication skills to get a higher position.”
Do you agree to hire or work with this candidate again
Your answer to this question can help the hiring manager make the final decision on hiring your former colleague. If you were involved in hiring this person, share your rationale.
How to give a good recommendation
Consider your feedback as an opportunity to help both the employer and the job candidate find the most suitable solution, as well as provide information that will help the employee become more successful if he is hired. It is also an occasion to provide a comprehensive, candid portrait of the candidate, his emotional intelligence and other flexible skills.
In addition, the questions you are asked should be related to work. You should not answer inappropriate security questions about marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
