Reverse Reference Checking

I was interested to read in a newsletter published by recruitment firm Beilby about the idea of reverse reference checking.

A survey of Beilby newsletter subscribers revealed 79.9 per cent would welcome the opportunity to check out the work history of a potential boss.

Personally, I think a resume exchange and a chance to test a manager's credentials would be fantastic. I've had some great bosses but I've also had my fair share of duds.

Beilby CEO Martin Nicholls said most managers would find the idea of their credentials being checked by a candidate very confronting. Asked how he would feel about being checked out he said: "Absolutely!  It's something I encourage and if people are going to work with me I'd prefer they have the opportunity to do their own due diligence first."

He said allowing candidates to canvass independent opinion about a potential workplace or manager could prevent wrong hires, which cost companies plenty. 

Mr Nicholls said that in today's recruitment climate, companies have to sell themselves to candidates. Research released earlier this year showed a company's reputation and  "cultural" issues such as work/life balance policies were important to job shopping candidates.

The Beilby survey also asked if job descriptions were offered with roles; 44 per cent said they did not receive a job description. Another 48 per cent of those surveyed felt the reality of their role was different from what was discussed at the job interview.
I've had many an email from Ask Kate readers who cannot even get a job description after they have started a new job.

Beilby argue that its better that a candidate understand the job on offer and reject it than start the job only to leave soon after.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

For more useful tips read the other stories in the Job Hunting Advice section and Ask Kate Column.