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Reference checks are an important part of the hiring process. They can greatly affect the success of your hiring efforts. By reaching out to a candidate’s references, you gain a valuable understanding of their past performance, work attitude, and if they’re a good fit for the role. In Halifax, where employers face unique hiring challenges, reference checks are even more important.
Why Record Checks are Important
Halifax, like many other cities, presents specific hiring challenges for employers. The job market is highly competitive, with a limited pool of qualified candidates for certain roles. Employers need to have a thorough understanding of the candidates they are considering. This is where reference checks come in. By knowing more about an applicant’s work, education, and possible criminal history, you can make better hiring decisions.
Parts of a Good Reference Check
A good reference check consists of a few key parts. Ask yourself these questions:
Why do I need this reference check?
This is important; there are many different record checks and you should only consider those that are specific to the candidate. There are privacy laws in place that require this.
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What kind of reference check do I need? Three types of police record checks:
NaME-BASED Search
You can get this check at any Halifax regional police station using just a person’s name and birthdate. The police run this information through the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system will show any criminal convictions. However, these checks will not give you accurate information if the spelling is incorrect or if the person has changed their last name.
CERTIFIED Criminal record and judicial matters check
This criminal record check requires fingerprints which are the best way to guarantee someone is who they say they are. Get this check through the Halifax regional police headquarters. The results are run through the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). This will reveal: any applicable criminal convictions, guilty verdicts under the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, absolute and conditional discharges, arrest warrants, outstanding charges, and certain judicial orders. You will be asked to present your Nova Scotia driver’s license or Nova Scotia ID card.
Vulnerable sector check
A vulnerable sector check includes the information in the certified criminal and judicial matters check. But it also includes whether a person has a record suspension (also known as a pardon) for sexual offences. You should get this check if your company deals or volunteers with children, the disabled, or the elderly. This criminal record check can give your employees a lot of peace of mind.
Does the thought of handling these criminal record checks make your head spin? Are you a busy person? Of course, you are. Instant Record Check can remove that from your “to-do” list and quickly and easily give you the results you need in less than 48 hours.
Do I have the right references?
It’s recommended that employers check the references themselves online. It’s very easy for an applicant to list a company or educational institution which doesn’t exist. Also, if the reference doesn’t answer the phone professionally there’s a chance it’s the applicant’s friend.
NOTE: Most important, keep a record of the information gathered to help make the best decision.
Tips for Performing Background Checks
When performing reference checks, an employer must be aware of anything specific to the local job market and accepted beliefs of the area. For instance, understanding the importance of personal connections, referrals can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s fit within the Halifax business community. Also, being aware of privacy laws and regulations when contacting references is extremely important (see above). By adapting your reference check approach to match up with the local big picture, you can make sure of more effective outcomes.
Best Practices for Reference Check Questions
The types of questions asked during a reference check can significantly affect the quality of the information received. Open-ended questions that allow references to provide detailed responses are often more insightful than closed-ended questions. Some effective reference check questions used by employers include: “How did the candidate handle difficult situations?” and “Can you provide examples of the candidate’s teamwork abilities?” It is important to avoid leading questions that may influence the responses.
How to Use Reference Checks to Improve Your Hiring Potential
Reference checks can be a powerful tool to help you stand out as an employer in Halifax. By doing thoughtful reference checks, you can gain a competitive advantage in the hiring process. Use the information gathered from reference checks to evaluate a candidate’s fit within your company culture and team patterns. Highlight the positive responses from references during interviews to demonstrate the candidate’s suitability for the role. By taking advantage of reference checks intelligently, you can improve your hiring skills.
The Dos and Don’ts of Reference Checks
To do effective reference checks, it is important to follow some dos and avoid common hidden traps. Do reach out to many references to get a well-rounded opinion about the candidate. Do listen carefully to what the references say and ask follow-up questions when necessary. Don’t rely only on reference checks to make a hiring decision; use them as one piece of the puzzle. Don’t assume anything or ignore potential red flags raised by the references. By sticking to these dos and don’ts, you can be sure of more reliable and informative reference checks.
Taking Advantage of Technology for Better Reference Checks
Technology can greatly improve the reference check process, making it more useful and accurate. Use software and tools specifically designed for background checks to speed up the process, track responses, and maintain organized records. These tools can help automate certain tasks, such as sending out requests and reminders. By using technology, you can save time and effort while improving the overall quality of your background checks.
Reference Checks Can Help Keep Employees
Background checks are useful in finding candidates who will be a long-term good fit. Use reference checks to evaluate if a candidate shares your organization’s values, work conditions, and team patterns. Look for indications of long-term commitment and a track record of performing well in similar workplace conditions. Background checks will help you build teams that are more likely to thrive and employees that stay with your company in the long run.
Conclusion
Background checks play a very important role in the hiring process. In Halifax, they are particularly valuable due to the unique challenges faced by employers. By doing these checks, you can make more informed hiring decisions. You’ll also improve your hiring process, and choose a successful applicant who will stay with the company. Remember to follow best practices and use technology to make the process faster and more efficient.
Remember that Instant Record Check can help you in these matters in many different ways. Our service takes the guesswork out of it. Our expert staff can handle the ins and outs for you, saving you time and money. Apply online at Instant Record Check today!
