Follow-up to: https://www.reddit.com/r/antiwork/comments/t4le1f/we_need_more_hrrecruiters_who_get_this_get_rid_of/
What is a “reference check”?
It's a process in the pre-employment phase where your potential employers speak with your professional references and employers. One of the fields of work that checks references is the school district. I learned that all school districts check references when I was passed over for an Instructional Assistant position with a nearby high school district last October. All schools check references, not just my desired ones.
Why should “reference checks” be abolished?
- It takes time away from the professional references and employers just to talk to their employee about their work habits and whether if they are going to be a perfect fit for their potential endeavor. They either have to take time away from whatever they are doing just to answer a phone call or respond to an email from the school district in regards to the employee who is looking for the new job.
- Sometimes, your professional references and/or employers may not be reached. This was the case for my old kitchen manager at Chili's. While I had a good relationship with Chili's, it was the supervisor not being able to be reached on his personal cell phone that prevented me from getting the job that I wanted.
- Professional references must be people from work. On my last reference check with the high school, I used my educators as “professional references” since they might recommend me for whatever job I am looking for. However, the school told me professional references had to be people from work, not the teachers that taught me. I thought teachers would be considered professional since they are from my related endeavor.