Dear Kristy,
Are reference checks still relevant? I’ve found references are always just going to say good things about people – there must be a better way.
Ah, the good old reference check. Some folks treat it like a formality—something to check off right before sending the offer letter. When done right, they’re one of the best ways to confirm what your gut (and the interview) has already told you about a candidate.
A reference call can reveal a lot more than just words. For example, how quickly the reference calls you back says something in itself. If they respond right away, that usually means they genuinely want to help the candidate. If it takes days—or they never return the call—it may hint that they’re less enthusiastic or unsure what to share.
Once you get them on the phone, listen for consistency. If three references tell you similar things about the person’s work ethic, attitude, or growth areas, that’s a great sign of authenticity. When everyone’s story lines up, it builds confidence that you’re hearing the truth—not just polite praise.
Then, compare what they say to your own impressions from the interview and even the results of any personality or behavioral assessments you use. Do their comments match what you’ve already seen? Or do they paint a different picture? A good reference check helps connect those dots. Sometimes it confirms your instincts, and sometimes it uncovers something you didn’t catch during the interview.
At the end of the day, reference checks are still a valuable tool in hiring. They give you a window into how the person has really performed in the past, not just how well they interview.
Got a recruiting question or challenge? Write in! Let’s tackle it together.
Kristy Sifford
With a background in flooring and restoration, but the heart and mindset of a teacher, Kristy Sifford tackles the difficult job of recruiting with tact, strategy, and determination. With more than a decade of recruiting experience in our industry under her belt, Kristy brings experience from speaking with thousands of candidates and hundreds of company owners. As founder and CEO of Wylander, she understands what it takes to fill even the toughest roles in the toughest markets, find and attract unicorn superstar players, and create a seamless hiring process for companies and candidates alike. Kristy's background in teaching, flooring, and most recently restoration have resulted in proven hiring and recruiting practices trusted by some of our industry's most elite contractors.
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