Background Checks

Have a problem getting information about a candidate from a past employer?

Many companies will only give the ex- employee’s hire and termination dates.  Here is what I’ve used to get around that roadblock.

I begin the my conversation with the candidate’s manager with “Can you help me?” Most people want to help.  If the manager is still reluctant, I ask them two more questions:

  • Does your company have a policy against re-hiring an ex-employee?  If they say “no,” then I ask question #2.
  • Would you rehire _____(candidate’s name)?  If there is a long pause, you have just received some valuable information for your hiring decision.