The Find: Surprising questions to ask a candidate's references to get the real scoop on a potential new hire.- The Source: The Business Pundit blog.
The Takeaway: You think you've found the right candidate to fill a vacancy, so you wearily pick up the phone to call the person's references. Probably you're going to be less than thrilled with the quality of information you receive and the reference is going to be less than excited by your standard issue questions. In response to this predicament Business Pundit has come up with some "surprise-attack reference questions" that you can add to your arsenal to get some valuable insights about your potential new team member. Among the blog's suggestions:
- What did he learn during his time with your company?
- If you could give him a single career suggestion, what would it be?
- If the reference managed the client: How did the candidate respond to your management style?
- Would you rehire him?
The Question: Any other tips for getting the most out of speaking with references?
(Image of surprised man looking at his phone by CJ Sorg, CC 2.0)