• Have a prospective hire sign a waiver absolving ex-bosses from liability for an honest reference.
• Get the names of at least five references to increase the odds that someone will be forthcoming with information.
• Verify the facts first. Make sure basic information -- such as job titles, academic degrees, and dates of employment -- is correct.
• If primary references aren't cooperative, contact others such as vendors, colleagues, or former subordinates.
• Make questions to references pinpointed and specific.
• Don't rush it. Talk long enough to get a feel for both the employee and the reference.
• If all else fails, a good deal can be learned from pre-employment screening tests, job tryouts, or other alternative methods.

Return to main story