How do I give someone a reference?

Often, as a recruiter, I ask candidates to provide me with references - whether the potential employer asks for them or not. The reason for this is that you get a better view of the whole candidate, over a simple interview and test approach.

In the modern world, most references are done by telephone interview, and last around 10minutes - hearing a tone of voice is better over a managed letter.

But, the thing that always amazes me is that the reference person is often more nervous than the candidate! So, here are a few tips on how to warm/be a reference for someone.

For Candidates seeking references:
First of all, candidates pick your references. I know this may sound strange, but honestly I don't want to talk to your dog walker or cycling buddy. Pick people who you have ideally worked with, or known for a long time and that you keep in touch with. Secondly, brief them - from my point of view, there's nothing worse than dumping your best friend in it, to end up with a bad reference. Thirdly, don't pick people you can't give a full briefing to - why you are looking at leaving, why you think this job is great.

For referee's:
If you are the reference point, then firstly say thank you and then: think! Say no now if you have a doubt over later. Secondly, give the candidate a set of details on which the reference taker can contact you - yes, employers do become suspicious if you give too many references. Thirdly, prepare - I often just jot a few notes down on when we meet, and the candidates history, and the date of the last time we worked together/met. Finally, you can refuse to answer any question - there is no right/wrong/have to question!

Referencing is a good way to get a view of a candidate, and as a reference point you have nothing to lose - hey, they may even offer you a job opportunity (around 15% of candidates for a recruiter come through referencing)

Employers questions - vetting candidates

Charles asks: When you are facing a pile of resumes and limited time there is always a temptation to move too fast through the pile. What do you do to ensure that a golden nugget does not slip through your hands? If there is one or two things that someone could do to improve the chances of their resume being read, what would they be? On the other hand, what one or two things will ensure that a resume is not read?

In answer: One word - relevance! Too many applicant responses suggests a badly written advert. If applicants don't hit the (three/five) key criteria in the advert in the first half page, put them in one of three piles: possible, interesting, thank you. If there is something there but they still haven't answered the relevance question in the first page, its a "thank you." But my answer shouldn't be a surprise - a well written resume/CV should address the needs of the advert in the same half page length.

Send the thank you pile a thank you letter - if they don't match the stated criteria, then they are not suitable candidates. Follow up the possible column with a telephone call, and add the interesting column if there are not enough good candidates coming through the process - it is possible if the advert was poorly written, that a large pile of CV's/resumes mean few good and suitable applicants.