When it comes to hiring, resumes and interviews only tell part of the story. To truly understand who you’re bringing into your team, you need to conduct effective reference checks. Unfortunately, many hiring managers treat reference calls as a quick formality—asking vague questions and accepting generic praise. But with the right approach, reference checks can reveal valuable insights that directly impact your hiring decisions.
Start with the right questions. Generic questions like “Was the candidate a good employee?” rarely provide useful information. Instead, dig into specifics. Ask questions like:
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What was the candidate’s role, and how did they perform compared to others in similar positions?
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How would you describe their management and leadership style?
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How did they handle stress, tight deadlines, or conflict?
These types of questions go beyond surface-level impressions and offer real context about the candidate’s abilities and working style.
Another critical element of effective reference checks is learning to dig deeper. If a reference gives a vague answer, don’t be afraid to follow up. Ask for examples. For instance, if they say the candidate was a strong leader, ask, “Can you share a situation where their leadership really stood out?” Or, “How did their performance compare to others on your team?”
It’s also helpful to ask about areas of improvement. Everyone has room to grow, and a thoughtful reference will acknowledge that. If they hesitate or say they can’t think of anything, give them space to reflect. You might say, “No problem—sometimes it takes a moment. I’ll circle back at the end in case something comes to mind.” This approach often encourages the reference to open up and offer more honest feedback.
Finally, don’t forget to ask about the bigger picture. Questions like “Would you hire this person again?” or “What advice would you give to their next manager?” can help you assess cultural fit and long-term potential. These insights go beyond the candidate’s technical skills and help determine if they’ll thrive in your specific environment.
Remember, effective reference checks aren’t about checking a box—they’re about confirming what you already suspect or uncovering red flags you may have missed. Done right, they add clarity and confidence to your hiring process.
If you’re hiring in the infrastructure, construction, or engineering industries and want to make stronger leadership hires, we can help.
