Reference Check - The Final Check?

Posted by Andrew on February 26, 2016

Thanks to Kya Brewer from our Waikato Branch for today's post. 

Congrats! Your one step closer to a job. Your CV has been a success, you went through your interview with flying colours, and you’ve had the chance of meeting the amazing people you could quite possibly be working with, now the only thing left standing between you and your possible future career is, a “reference check”.

For many of us, a reference check is the most important part of recruitment. This is the be all and end all; so you’ll want to be assured that the referee’s you have provided for us will not only make you look great but can attest to your work performance also. From our point of view, we want employees who have a great work ethic, who are reliable, and are both punctual and honest. Our job is to ask all the right questions so that what you have said, is true.

Here are 5 key tips when providing your reference details…

- Ideally we’d like you to provide us with 3 referees.

- Keep your referee’s details updated at all times. (In case they’ve changed businesses or their contact number.)

- Make sure you have regular contact with your referee’s i.e. keeping them updated with your job status or who will be phoning them for a job reference.

- Make sure you have their permission before listing them down on your CV as a reference.

- And most importantly, insure your referee’s are from your most recent place of employment and/or the longest period of time you have been based in a role. (There is nothing more inconvenient and frustrating then calling a referee that can’t remember your work performance or even in some cases they can’t remember you.)

We’ve all been there right? Your employer has been in your position at least once or twice, and so has your referee. You’ve got this far – only one step to go - so best of luck!

And for those who are just beginning the application process, I hope this blog has been helpful to you also.