Automated Reference Checking: Everything You Need to Know

The process for requesting references for a job applicant has been the same since the telephone became widespread—call up their previous employers, ask a few questions, and condense their answer into something you can use and save. Written references offer an easier way to save the information, but often lack nuance. 

Fortunately, with today’s technology, there’s a better way. Automated reference checking allows you to easily request, gather, and evaluate references from all of your candidates who reach that point in the hiring process. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Automated Reference Checking?

Automated reference checking, also known as digital references, uses reference checking software to request, gather, and integrate references into your hiring systems. In many automated reference software platforms, like Cangrade, a request for a reference is sent as a short survey. 

Once the reference has responded, you’ll be notified and can check the results and even import them automatically into your ATS and other systems. Automated reference checking also typically enables you to determine whether a reference is genuine by detecting duplicate IP addresses to check for fraudulent responses. 

The Benefits of Automated Reference Checking 

Automated references have many benefits over traditional reference-gathering methods. 

Reduces Time-To-Hire

The process of finding references, scheduling reference calls, sending reminders, and actually holding those reference phone calls is time-consuming and increases your time-to-hire. And that time is better spent by your recruiters on other parts of the hiring process, such as evaluating candidates. 

With automated references, your recruiters can quickly request references and get detailed information back. Plus, since the reference survey is quick and easy to use (it takes less than two minutes to complete with Cangrade), you’re more likely to get a good response back fast. 

Automated reference software also sends reference requests automatically at the right stage in the hiring process, giving recruiters one less step to remember. And they alert recruiters once the feedback is in so there are no follow-ups or manual checking required. 

Keeps Data in One Place

With phone references, your responses can be collected in a Word document, an email, or even scribbled on a notepad. Gathering them all in one place so recruiters, hiring managers, and anyone else who needs access can see them is challenging. 

But with automated reference software, you can collect and store your responses in a single place so they’re easy to access. You can even integrate the software with systems you already use, such as your applicant tracking system (ATS) so all your candidate information is in one place. 

Saves for Future Reference

Unless you’re recording the phone calls with all of your references, which is at best impractical and at worst illegal, it’s hard to remember precisely what a reference said in a few weeks. Automated references are saved into your ATS so they’re accessible in the future, which is especially helpful when you’re going back to previous applicants with another role in mind. 

Allows for More Candid Feedback

A phone call can take a potential reference by surprise while they’re caught up in another task, and they may not remember all the feedback they’d like to give in the moment. Also, it’s easier to be candid while answering written questions than talking to a live person. Automated references give references the chance to be more candid and accurate in their feedback. 

Finding the Right Automated Reference Software 

Getting the maximum benefits from your automated references depends on finding the software platform that will allow you to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate automated references into your hiring process.

Cangrade can help — learn more today.