Join Xref’s GM, Robin Clarke and panel guests for what is set to be a lively debate about the value and place of reference checks in recruitment today. Are reference checks providing any real insights and value? What are the risks of not reference checking our new hires? How are big businesses around the globe doing it... or are they not?

1. THE GREAT DEBATE
Is reference checking dead?

2. Facilitator
Robin Clarke
General Manager - UK & Ireland,
Xref
Anti-referencing
Del Connolly
Senior Director
LHi Group
Pro-referencing
Alex Jordan
Operations & Resourcing Manager
Cielo Talent
Today’s panel

3. XREF.COM
Are you pro- or
anti-reference checking?

4. XREF.COM
Has reference checking died out
in the UK?

5. XREF.COM
What our social research
tells us

6. XREF.COM
Do you conduct pre-employment checks?
Yes
No
Sometimes
0% 20% 40% 60%
73%
16%
11%
80%

7. XREF.COM
Do you think traditional reference checking still
serves its purpose?
Yes
No
Don’t know (what is
the purpose?)
0% 20% 40% 60%
58%
31%
11%

8. XREF.COM
References can be useful for
making sure the right candidate is
hired, but sometimes agree that it
would be easier without and
companies are limited on what
information can be given so
sometimes can be seen as a non-
value adding task.
HR Admin Team Leader
Pro referencing however, this
should not be the sole reason a
candidate is rejected or accepted.
Their previous employer may not
want them to move on in the
sector they would like to advance
in or they may hold a grudge
against them for wanting to
progress elsewhere.
PhD Student (Psychology)
Why would anyone be anti-
reference checking?
We have saved many a train
wreck by taking references in
my 25 year recruitment career
in the UK, OZ and NZ.
Agency Director

9. XREF.COM
Are there any specific
roles/occasions that reference
checking is important for?

10. XREF.COM
What if you simply don’t do
reference checks? Are there
any consequences?

11. XREF.COM
What our social research
tells us

12. XREF.COM
What job roles do you think reference checks are
most relevant for?
All roles
0% 20% 40% 60%
58%
35%
9%
High-paid, executive-level roles
Low-paid, entry-level roles
Temporary and contract roles
They’re not relevant for any role
15%
5%

13. XREF.COM
0% 10% 20% 30%
40%
29%
11%
40%
Very concerned
Slightly concerned
Happy
Don’t Know
Consider this scenario:
How would you feel about staying in a hotel that had not
conducted reference checks on housekeeping staff?
20%

14. XREF.COM
And finally, how about this one:
How would you feel if you knew your GP hadn’t had their
references checked?
Very concerned
0% 25% 50% 75%
84%
3%
100%
Happy
Don’t Know
Slightly concerned
6%
7%

15. XREF.COM
Why do referees provide
‘neutral’ references?
A lack of time? Fear?

16. XREF.COM
Has the purpose of reference
checking changed due to new
regulations and governance (e.g.
GDPR)?

17. XREF.COM
Have there been any occasions
when wish you had referenced
someone…or you’re really glad
you did?

18. Questions?