Are character references useless?
Besides confirming dates of employment, are character references from a job/intern applicant essentially useless? No applicant is going to list sent a reference that is going to say anything bad about the person, so I don't even bother asking character questions.
When hiring in the past, i've asked for references, but only use them to confirm that the person was there. Regarding contacting his/her former employer, I know there are liability issues regarding what they can say about the person - so this isn't of much help either.
Besides a background check, linkedin/google search etc, what are some ways to do due diligence for a new applicant?
How highly do you value letters of recommendation?
I mean.. if it's a character reference from Hank Paulson, it probably isn't useless..
In all seriousness, it most likely won't hurt you, and if you have something "non-standard" on your resume or other special circumstance, a character reference may be helpful in assuaging an employer's concerns. But to be honest, I don't imagine that it will make much of a difference in most cases.
I think they add some assurance. They aren't dealbreakers but the right name (you never know with these things) can certainly snag you an interview, did with me.
Eum doloremque tenetur dolorem odio iusto. Cum et in excepturi est amet magni perferendis. Quo et illum ipsum rerum consequatur dignissimos sed numquam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...