How to Accurately and Effectively Check References

When hiring in the Event Marketing Industry, checking references before making a hire can mean the difference between having an awesome execution and having a total nightmare on your hands. While the reference check can seem extremely time consuming, frustrating, and may even come across as a waste of time, you’ll understand as you read on why doing a little background research can be an extreme help in the log run.  There are several reasons why we suggest checking references and past work experience (of every potential agency/candidate) to anyone hiring an event staffing agency or anyone hiring event managers or staff directly.

Follow the following steps to be sure that you’re getting a well-rounded idea of the type of work (and work ethic) the company/candidate you’re considering has.

• Social Media. It can be extremely helpful in gaining understanding about a company when you’re thinking about hiring them to manage your event staff. Check to see if the company has a presence on several different social media sites. Check their Facebook page, Twitter Account, Website, and most importantly LinkedIn.
• Do some internet searching. After you google the company name and any other keyword combinations you think may be helpful, you should have a clear understanding of their reputation with other companies, staff members, etc. While it’s true that anyone can post non sense, or slander, on the internet, it’s unlikely that there will be multiple complaints on the same subject.
• Read the References they have listed within their website, or their LinkedIn profiles. Be certain that they should sincere. A lot of references may be falsified or exaggerated as a favor to the person or company. Make sure you’re getting the ‘real deal’ before you close the deal.
• If you’re hiring a person, call their references. It may seem a little time consuming, but it’s well worth it in the long run. References will generally be honest with you if you ask *specific* questions about the person’s work ethic and performance.
• Be specific when you speak with individual references. Ask how the person worked with others. Did they lead the team well? Did they have any issues with the person or feel as though their work had restrictions? Would they rehire this person?, etc.
• Make sure you let a job applicant know in advance that you will be checking their references. Also be sure (when you’re hiring a person) that you gain proper legal consent from the potential employee.

Checking references before you hire a company/candidate can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If you’re not sure you’re capable of checking the references and making the decision yourself, outsourcing may be a great option for you. Doing the planning and research that is needed prior to making the hire can make the difference between a very happy or a very sad ending for your live event marketing projects.

Lindsay Merlin

Sr Account Manager

Lucky 415 Marketing & Promotions

http://www.lucky415.com

lmerlin@lucky415.com