The Everything HR Kit

CHAPTER 6

Reference Checking

One of the most important steps in the employment process is the proper vetting of candidates. Surprisingly, more than 75 percent of employers do not conduct reference or background checks of their potential candidates. Done properly, this one final process can save you a significant amount of time, management, and money. Remember what we said earlier: The cost of a bad hire is more than the cost per hire. In certain roles and in smaller companies, a bad hire can cost you your company.

Before conducting reference checks or background investigations, you must have the candidate’s written permission. This is easily accomplished by having the following release statement at the end of your application for employment. ...