Checklist for Handling Job References - A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers

BCG Attorney Search is the nation's largest and most geographically diverse recruiting firm specializing exclusively in permanent attorney placements. They currently have more attorney openings, in more practice areas and locations, than any other legal recruiting firm.

 

Summary

References are an important aspect of the job search and hiring process. When creating a resume, it is essential to include references that can vouch for your qualifications and experiences. Employers may also require additional references before making a final hiring decision. This article provides a basic guide to handling references both as a job seeker and as an employer.


For job seekers, it is important to choose references who will be able to provide a positive recommendation. This includes former employers, colleagues, teachers, mentors, and supervisors. When selecting references, it is important to ask for permission before providing their contact information. It is also important to communicate with references to ensure that they are prepared and have accurate and up-to-date information.

For employers, it is essential to have a formal reference checking process. This could include asking for references from a shortlist of applicants, or checking references from previous employers. Before making a decision about a job applicant, it is important to verify references and to check for any discrepancies.

When making contact with references, it is important to ask specific and relevant questions. This could include questions about the applicant's skills, experience, work attitude, and ability to work in a team. It is also important to follow up with the reference to thank them and request any additional information.

In conclusion, references are an important aspect of the job search and hiring process. Job seekers must take care to choose the proper references and to communicate with them to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. Employers must also have a formal process for checking references and verifying accuracy. This guide provides an overview of the basics of handling references.
 

Why Check References?

The purpose of checking references is to learn more about a potential employee and to assess their suitability for the position they're being considered for. Checking references can provide invaluable information about an individual, including their work history, job performance, qualifications, and interpersonal skills. Having an accurate and complete picture of an individual's background can help employers make an informed decision when it comes to hiring. For these reasons, it is essential that employers take the time to properly vet their potential new hires.
 

Issues With Checking References

While checking references can be extremely beneficial, there are a few potential drawbacks. Most employers are hesitant to discuss an applicant's performance, as this can open them up to legal liability. As a result, references may be hesitant to provide any information beyond basic facts like names, titles, and dates of employment. Additionally, references may provide negative information in hopes of dissuading employers from hiring a candidate.
 

Legalities of Checking References

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs employers' ability to obtain information on potential hires through the use of a third-party background check. The FCRA requires employers to obtain written consent from a potential employee before obtaining any information about them, including references. Additionally, employers are not allowed to discriminate against potential employees based on information obtained from references.
 

Verifying References

When obtaining references, employers should always verify that the person provided as a reference actually worked with the applicant. This can be done through a phone call or email verification. Employers should also be sure to ask questions about the applicant's performance, character, and other job-related qualities. Lastly, employers should always be sure to get a complete picture of the applicant's performance, both positive and negative.
 

Conclusion

Checking references is an important part of the hiring process and can provide employers with valuable information about potential employees. Because of the potential legal implications of checking references, it is important for employers to take the time to properly vet potential hires. Additionally, employers should verify references to ensure they are accurate and ask questions to get a full picture of the applicant's performance and qualifications.

You just had a good interview. In fact, it was great! You really connected with the people that you met with; you found the practice to be interesting and sophisticated, the setting collegial and the compensation package first-class. You are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams when you are asked to provide your references. How should you handle this very important step in you job search? The following is a basic guideline aiming to steer you through this sometime tricky and often overlooked aspect of the job search process.

Usually after a successful interview, you will be asked to provide references. The key to handling this step successfully is to be prepared. One thing you should keep in mind is not to volunteer your references until asked. Therefore, you should not include references on your resume or cover letter unless specifically required by your prospective employer. What exactly are references used for? Reference checks are primarily made to:

• Assure that you told the truth about yourself.
   
• Get a feeling for how you work with others.
   
• Pick up otherwise undisclosed information, either positive or negative.
   

Today, many law firms and companies are very careful about sharing information regarding their former attorneys to avoid potential lawsuits. Often, a law firm will have a policy regarding references that only allow them to provide a job title and dates of employment.

One of the key aspects of references is selecting appropriate references. Ideally, you should choose people who know you in a work setting - former employers, partners, judges, clients and peers. They are your best references. You should also consider well-known political, community or business leaders, educators or members of your professional associations. Unless you have already informed your current firm about your intent to leave, do not use current clients, partners or peers as references, as they may jeopardize the confidentiality of your job search.

Typically, you will be asked for three references. However, you will need to have several more references just in case. You should prepare a reference list to give a prospective employer using the following format:

• Your name at the top of the page
   
• Names of each reference
   
• Their phone number
   
• Their current titles
   
• Their address
   
• Their relationship to you
   
• Their current company
   

Prior to preparing your reference list, you should take steps to ensure that your references will in fact be helpful to you. Remember to:

1. Ask first.
   • Always ask a person to act as a reference before you provide his or her name to a prospective employer.
      
   • Meet or speak with the person to verify information for your reference sheet and ensure that you will get positive references.
      
2. Prepare your reference.
   • Provide a copy of your resume to the person.
      
   • Develop a one-page summary about your career objective, practice, reasons for leaving, strengths, weaknesses, work style, and then review it with him or her.
      
3. Contact your references when you give his or her name to an employer.
   • Provide details about the prospective position and what you have to offer.
      
   • Share your excitement and enthusiasm.
      
4. Ask for feedback after your reference has been contacted.
   • What types of questions were asked?
      
   • What topics were covered?
      
   • What concerns were raised?
      
   • Make sure to thank your reference.