New Hires & References... Need Advice.

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the challenges and considerations involved in checking references during the hiring process. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on how to interpret references, the legality of providing negative feedback, and the importance of gut feelings in hiring decisions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions having interviewed many candidates and expresses uncertainty about how to weigh negative references against positive ones.
  • Another participant shares their belief that it may be illegal to provide a bad recommendation, suggesting hiring based on positive references instead.
  • Several users mention that one negative reference may not be significant if other references are positive.
  • One participant notes that some employers only confirm employment dates and do not provide further details, which complicates the hiring process.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of asking whether a reference would re-hire the candidate as a key question during reference checks.
  • One participant shares their experience of encountering rudeness from candidates during the hiring process, reflecting on the challenges of managing perceptions.
  • Several users mention the idea of hiring on a trial basis if there are concerns about a candidate's references.
  • One participant highlights the potential for bias in references, noting that candidates may not provide names of those who would give unfavorable reviews.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the significance of negative references, with some participants suggesting they can be overlooked if other references are strong, while others emphasize the importance of caution. No clear consensus emerges regarding the legality of providing negative references.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to hiring, often focusing on the challenges of interpreting references and the dynamics of candidate interactions. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the hiring process, particularly in the context of hiring younger or less experienced individuals.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants involved in hiring processes, particularly those working with younger candidates or in environments where references may be limited, may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant.

My husband owns a small business. For the HS/College crowd he goes by 'gut feeling' most of the time. Everyone is hired on a 90 day trial basis.My day job pre-employment physical included a urine test for drugs (and subject to testing at any time). Another job long ago had a lie detector test as part of the pre employment condition. That weeded out a few applicants--some who never showed for the test :)Just saying...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #32
See... something like Becky's story wants me to give some of these kids the benefit out the doubt. I will be hiring eveyone on a trial basis and NJ is one of the states with "at will employment".
 
Sorry, double post
 
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When I used to do interviewing I would look at the refernces, ask the interviewee why they left their last employment or why they are looking for another job. And then go with my initial reaction to them. Especially when you are dealing in a "service" job. Do you think they will be pleasant and dependable. Sometimes I found my gut was better than calling all the refernces on their resume/application. Good luck! And the worse that could happen is you hire someone and they don't work out. It happens all the time, and while it was frustrating to have to rehire and train again sometimes the second hire is the right one for the job!
 
As much "trouble" as employees can be, I still love having my own business. We live in a rural area, so most of our customers are daily regulars who tell you their problems and exciting news. Sometimes this makes it hard to me a boss to people because they become like your family. But, having your own business is a great opportunity...to make money, to pick your own hours, to make new friends, and to be a witness for Jesus. I try my best to be a "light" to my employees and customers. Sometimes I fail miserably, sometimes I have to say "I'm sorry", but for the most part I feel like I am helping other people while I help my family to have a better life.
 
She actually told me she didn't want her coming to the apt (this was in the South)

I hope you don't hold this against the rest of us southerners. That's just wrong no matter how you look at it. I had a good friend who was black but wouldn't come to the area of town I lived in because once upon a time there was a Klan building in the town between ours. (Suburbs of Houston) It was a bookstore but I couldn't convince her. That's just sad that people are so narrow minded and that others have to be so cautious because of it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #37
That's a shame.

I was talking to my husband tonight and we feel we should give the ones I really like a try. My feeling was if someone called my last job and talked to the sales manager who hated me, what would he say? NOTHING GOOD. That doesn't mean I did a bad job.

I feel worse comes to worse, I can fire the girl. Everyone is a good candidate, but there are a few that really got my attention. MAYBE a coffee house environment (little off-center, but fun work) is perfect for this girl, ya know? C'mon, I've got pink hair! Most people wouldn't hire me!
 
AJPratt said:
That's a shame.

I was talking to my husband tonight and we feel we should give the ones I really like a try. My feeling was if someone called my last job and talked to the sales manager who hated me, what would he say? NOTHING GOOD. That doesn't mean I did a bad job.

I feel worse comes to worse, I can fire the girl. Everyone is a good candidate, but there are a few that really got my attention. MAYBE a coffee house environment (little off-center, but fun work) is perfect for this girl, ya know? C'mon, I've got pink hair! Most people wouldn't hire me!
I say give her a try out :thumbup:

You could get a job as a receptionist in a tattoo parlor I bet :cool:
 
RebelChef said:
I hope you don't hold this against the rest of us southerners. That's just wrong no matter how you look at it. I had a good friend who was black but wouldn't come to the area of town I lived in because once upon a time there was a Klan building in the town between ours. (Suburbs of Houston) It was a bookstore but I couldn't convince her. That's just sad that people are so narrow minded and that others have to be so cautious because of it.
No, I don't hold it against anyone - I realized she was one mean old bigoted, hate filled woman....my friend Roz, who she didn't want setting foot on "her property" is worth 10,000 of her - but she thought she was so much better. Can I just tell you that this is my friend who, on the 1st anniversary of my brother's death, went out and got me a kitten, and all of the stuff to go with it - even though she is deathly allergic to cats? That is the kind of person she is. I love her!:love: , and now retelling that story, I'm missing her! (She still lives in SC) I'm gonna go call her right now!
 
Before the job I have, I did not hire and fire high school/college kids but I did work with many. For the most part they were good kids. I think you are taking the right approach, Anne. We had a 6 months probationary period and now it is 1 year. I like that because adults can "fake" a good performance for 5 months, but they crack before a year!
 

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