The Power of References

In the recruitment market, it goes without saying - references are a fundamental tool in aiding prospective employers in making an informed decision.

As per my colleague, Charlotte Jones' insight blog a few months ago concerning the power of word of mouth - references and referrals act in much the same way.

Sellick Partnership take pride in fully referencing all candidates so that we are best placed to advise both the candidates and the clients of their most appropriate options, be it career progression or departmental support and growth.

As a consultant, reputation is key in a competitive and growing market, and we need to be confident in the candidates that we represent - highighting the importance of credible references. They assist us in ensuring that our clients are recruiting the individual that best meets their requirements and that they are receiving excellent service. This is a crucial part of relationship management, much like one would go to a trusted friend for recommendations concerning building a house or conducting repairs, one cannot afford for costly mistakes to happen, therefore we look to recommendations and experiences to minimise risks.

We understand that sometimes internal protocol dictates that a confirmation of dates is all that can be provided; in this case we always try to obtain at least a verbal reference or an 'off the record' conversation as to how a candidate has performed.

I highly recommend that the next time you finish an assignment or leave a permanent role please give a thought to the lasting impressions you leave behind. With networking, both on and offline, becoming increasingly important within day to day life - you need to take every opportunity to build your professional profile, and one of the best ways to do this is through recommendations and referrals.

As a consultant, I always keep an open mind, but under deadlines decision-makers can sometimes be ruthless - however we always try to get a balanced viewpoint on any reference, with honestly being the heart of the matter.