In hiring, is reference important to decide to go forward to interview with a candidate?

Question

I think the reference check is almost the final step to hiring someone. Is it correct?

I'm curious due to people in the reference may know the candidate better than recruiters and interviewers. What do you think about proceeding hiring process from a reference check? 🤔

Grace Hur · Accepted Answer

Not sure if this is the case for all organizations, but my approach would be to draw my conclusion about the candidate through the different interview steps first. The reference would simply be for final checks for any "red flags."

I wouldn't compare multiple candidates against each other based on what their respective references say, granted that both feedbacks are positive.

Jin Kwon · Answer

@gracehur It's great to know! thank you Grace. I agree that the reference is not to compare candidates.

In hiring, is reference important to decide to go forward to interview with a candidate?

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