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Talent Trade Tidbit - Making References Count · The Talent Trade

• 0:00
  Hi, this is Stephanie Maas.
• 0:02
  And today I want to talk to you about references.
• 0:05
  This day and age, everybody still asks for references, but legally, no one can say squat about anything.
• 0:14
  So I think it's time that instead of taking a reactive response to reference checking, we take a proactive one.
• 0:21
  And here's what I suggest.
• 0:22
  First and foremost, everybody has a reference.
• 0:25
  Everybody has somebody that they can call on professionally to speak on their behalf, even in the middle of the utmost confidential search.
• 0:35
  So here's what I recommend.
• 0:36
  Instead of waiting for HR to have you fill out an application and them call and ask some standardized questions.
• 0:42
  What were the dates of employment?
• 0:43
  Yes.
• 0:44
  Check.
• 0:45
  Are they eligible for rehire?
• 0:46
  Yes.
• 0:47
  Check.
• 0:47
  Tell your references.
• 0:49
  Hey, reference.
• 0:50
  I'm actually confidentially, so please be discreet, interviewing with XYZ Bank.
• 0:55
  Tom Smith is who I've been interviewing with.
• 0:58
  Would you please take 10 or 15 minutes, here's his number, here's his email, and reach out directly to him and speak on my behalf.
• 1:06
  Here are three things that have me really excited about this opportunity, and here are two or three ways that I think based on what they're looking for, I could really make a difference or make an impact.
• 1:18
  Would you please call?
• 1:19
  Proactively on my behalf and share that information with Tom.
• 1:23
  Boom.
• 1:24
  What a difference maker.
• 1:26
  Again, if your reference calls Tom on his own, he can say anything he wants and they can have a real conversation on your behalf.
• 1:35
  Isn't that better than verifying dates of employment?
• 1:38
  I think so.