How to get the most out of online reference checking as a referee
21 Sep 2023 by Chris Hunter
With tools like Referoo, the traditional process that once involved lengthy phone calls and pen-paper evaluations has transitioned into seamless online reference checks. This shift not only benefits companies and job applicants but also supports referees.
Here's a closer look at why online reference checking can be a positive shift for referees and how to get the most out of it.
Convenient, effortless, and on your schedule
These systems offer flexibility to complete reference checks at a comfortable pace. Offline reference checks often involve unexpected phone calls that interrupt your day. With online reference checking, you receive a notification about the reference request, and you can complete it when it suits your schedule.
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
It's not unusual to feel put on the spot during phone reference checks. With online reference checks, you have the opportunity to carefully reflect on your answers. This gives you enough time to construct your responses, ensuring they are accurate, fair and representative of the candidate’s ability.
Reducing room for bias
Through well-designed questionnaires, online reference checks can reduce unconscious biases that sometimes occur during traditional reference checks. Providing standardised questions to all referees makes the process more objective and focuses on the candidate’s skills and abilities.
So, how can you get the most out of online reference checking?
1. Dedicate adequate time: Whether it’s on your commute, at home in the evening or during your working day, find a time when you won’t be interrupted and can take time to reflect on the individual's capabilities, strengths and interactions.
2. Be specific and balanced: When responding to questions, include specific examples wherever possible. This enhances the credibility of your responses and helps employers form an accurate impression of the candidate. While it's important to highlight positives, a balanced view helps employers make informed hiring decisions.
3. Remember, it’s a ‘pay it forward’ system: Let’s face it, on a busy day, taking time out to provide a reference can feel thankless. But it’s a pay-it-forward system. When you’re next on the job hunt, you’ll ask someone to do the same for you!
4. Give feedback: Referoo values your opinion. If you experience any issues or have suggestions for improvements, reach out through our support channels.
By taking this process online, we break down time differences and shift work barriers, reduce disruption to referees and provide more balanced, structured and higher-quality references across multiple candidates.
As we navigate the digital age, embracing such technologies makes us more effective and balanced in providing essential feedback in the hiring process – a win for candidates, referees and the hiring manager.
Have questions as a referee or an interest in how Referoo can improve your own hiring process? Get in touch with the team at info@referoo.com.au.