Creative and Compliant Ways to Check References - SHRM

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1. "Backdoor" references are references the candidate did not directly provide. While reference checkers are not prohibited from contacting people not specifically named as references by the candidate, there are a couple of important points employers must keep in mind: “Candidates should have given permission, generally, for reference checking to be conducted.” Reference checkers should not reach out to anyone the candidate has expressly asked not be contacted.

   In SDR reference checks

2. “The references that candidates provide can be overly biased toward the applicant.” There are ways, however, that reference checkers can creatively and compliantly gather meaningful information to help employers make informed hiring decisions.

   In SDR reference checks

3. 'Backdoor' References “"Backdoor" references are references the candidate did not directly provide.” Candidates should have given permission, generally, for reference checking to be conducted.

   In SDR reference checks

4. “But searching beyond those references can lead to potential risk for the employer.” There are ways, however, that reference checkers can creatively and compliantly gather meaningful information to help employers make informed hiring decisions.

   In SDR reference checks

5. “And company policies often limit to salary and dates of service the information HR representatives, managers and others can share about a former employee.” There are ways, however, that reference checkers can creatively and compliantly gather meaningful information to help employers make informed hiring decisions.

   In SDR reference checks