I just heard a conversation about reference checking and conducting the deed via the internet. Candidates declare 8 references, the references are conducted and are reported back via e-mail, as opposed to phone contact. The thinking is that via the internet, references will be more honest and frank in their feedback. The feedback is then "packaged" anonymously back to the company seeking the reference. Now let's think about that . . . the candidate is supplying the names—do we really think anything negative is going to be revealed, whether it is by phone or e-mail?
What do you think?
—Gina
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I do feel that online reference checking can sometimes be more beneficial. I actually just received an email to complete one the other day - it was addressed to me as a personal reference request, so I felt more inclined to respond rather than forwarding them to our automated reference check line. Since I was instructed that the previous employee and prospective company would not see my name associated with the reference, I leaned more toward the honest and open side of the spectrum. Not sure if everyone would feel that way or not, but it worked for me! :)
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