Mistake 9: Relying Too Much on References
How much can you trust the information on a résumé? Add to My Personal Learning Plan Almost 60 percent of employers have discovered a lie on a résumé, according to a survey of more than 2,000 HR and recruitment managers, commissioned by U.S. recruitment specialist CareerBuilder. For example, a candidate who claimed to be a construction supervisor admitted in his interview that he had only built a doghouse in a backyard!
So, while applicants may have listed excellent experience and qualifications, you'll likely want to check some of the details they've provided.
However, don't place too much weight on these references, good or bad. Someone's positive experience at one organization does not mean that he will automatically shine at yours. And a negative reference from a previous employer does not mean that he won't thrive on your team.
As we suggested earlier, you can find out if a candidate has the right skills for your team by setting her a test or exercise that is relevant to the role that your are advertising.