Question for those who hire, regarding reference checks

[klone]

When you get to the point where you're doing reference checks on a candidate, does that mean you've narrowed it down to one specific candidate and a job offer is in the offing, pending a good reference/background check?

Or do facilities ever do reference checks on the top handful of candidates?

[Karl Farmer]

Like I noted before, you are correct, so long as you have given written, clear consent to obtain prior employment information that is not protected by federal law. As in: "You can call anybody and ask them anything, and no matter what they say I hold you free from liability or any claims of damage, even call my neighbors and my doctor, and you can also have a copy of my health record and my credit report", like that. Just signing consent for prior employment verification doesn't cut it.

[klone, MSN, RN]

The law is clear on references- were they employed there, in what capacity, what dates were involved, and would you rehire. Since you claim an applicant had a bad reference, you also have to admit the law was not followed. By breaking that law, the only thing the ex employer stands to gain is a defamation lawsuit. Again, I'll ask you why the ex employer would bother, and risk such a thing. It makes no sense. But it's illegal, nonetheless.

Unless the applicant signed a waiver saying that they would not hold the reference giver liable for a bad reference.

I..um..thank you for your enlightening contributions to the thread.

[Karl Farmer]

Spot on. But when is the last time you saw that, actually?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Spot on. But when is the last time you saw that, actually?

Today, in fact.

[Karl Farmer]

What did it say:

[klone, MSN, RN]

Basically what I stated above. I'm not going to C&P the email wording. It was an outside company used to handle and gather the reference info for the employer.

[jeyre1847]

So, related topic:

What's the likelihood of current or former boss being called, compared to a personal reference?

When I apply, I list employers, past employers, etc, and that yes, they can contact them. Then later they usually have a "references" section, where I list references. Do HR people normally call both, or just the deliberately listed references?

[Karl Farmer]

I wonder if I'd give the name of a personal reference that wouldn't claim that I am the best thing to happen since sliced bread. I have personally yet to have a personal reference inform me that they were contacted for a job, and I have had maybe 70. Jobs, I mean. As far as the prior one sentence 'consent' listed, well, we can see why there are so many lawyers in this country?

[klone, MSN, RN]

I've always used current boss and former boss as personal references. I don't know, I've always had really good relationships with my bosses, and I like to be upfront about whether I'm looking for another job (but I've never worked for a vindictive boss and when I've looked to change jobs, it's never been due to unhappiness or disgruntlement with my current job).

[klone, MSN, RN]

I wonder if I'd give the name of a personal reference that wouldn't claim that I am the best thing to happen since sliced bread. I have personally yet to have a personal reference inform me that they were contacted for a job, and I have had maybe 70. Jobs, I mean. As far as the prior one sentence 'consent' listed, well, we can see why there are so many lawyers in this country?

I did just a few weeks ago. I've listed a charge nurse as a personal reference (after getting her permission) and she informed me that she had been contacted.

[Karl Farmer]

I've only ever changed jobs for more money. I'm practical like that.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I've only ever changed jobs for more money. I'm practical like that.

You've never moved? Wow!