Reference checking

Good, if a little laundry-list-like, post over at ERE on reference checking by John Sullivan.

Given how spotty reference checks are (in my experience), this is an area where we can generate a lot of improvement. It's sad that what should be the most rich, relevant source of information about a candidate--their previous experience--is marred in most cases by fear of lawsuits (which are highly exaggerated), unstructured questions, and an overall lack of rigor.

I still think MSPB's reference checking report is one of the best I've seen. Don't let the word "federal" in their reports turn you off.