The following is based on a blog written by Dave Derz of NPAworldwide entitled “Coach Your Clients on the Background Check/Reference Check Experience”.
Recruiters and employers spend hundreds of hours to develop a shortlist and extend an offer to the top talent selected to fill a critical role. The last step before candidate hire is the backgrounding – the background check and the reference check. In today’s world, candidates have choices and are likely to get multiple offers and counteroffers if they are truly a top talent.
Communication is Key
Do not let an automated process (criminal/credit background check) or an internal-driven manual process (
reference check) derail the hiring plan you have put in place. These final steps should not be the reason for offer acceptance. Keep the process speedy and smooth while letting the candidate know what is happening and how long it might take. Communication is key to great candidate experience.
Use a Business Partner
Long before you implement these final steps, consider using a professional and reputable background checking partner. Recruitment best practices suggest completion within 24-72 hours with a good business partner. If it is taking longer, ask yourself why? It might be a good idea to test the practice for yourself. Run a check on yourself or on an internal employee willing to give it a go. A clunky process will cost your business top talent and will give a less-than-outstanding candidate experience.
Candidate Cooperation
Communicate well what is happening in the reference check process. This is a joint responsibility of the candidate and the employer. It is a great way to see if the candidate cares about the outcome and can effectively manage things outside of their direct control, but well within their sphere of influence. If the employer has more than a day or two invested in the reference checking process and has still not connected with a reference source, communication needs to direct and specific with the candidate. The candidate may need to do a reference replacement if someone is non-responsive.
Information needs to flow freely and with speed. Good luck!
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