NDT.org : Information : Job Tips : 8/5/2002 How to ascertain weaknesses during a reference check

The NDT.org Journal - 8/5/2002

How to ascertain weaknesses during a reference check

To gain weaknesses during a reference check, try the following technique: First, ask the reference to rate
the candidate on a scale of 1 to 10."If you had to rate Joe on a scale of 1 to 10 as a Software Engineer,
with 10 being the perfect engineer, and 5 being about the average that you have worked with, how would you
rate Joe?"

The answer will often come with a justification for the rating. If they rate high, they will usually give
you a list of strengths that support the rating. Always ask for more. Once you have the answer (say, "7"),
you say: "Wow! That's a nice rating! Why'd you rate Joe so highly? What special strengths does he have that
earn the high rating?"

After you capture the strengths, here is the sneaky way to get at weaknesses. Say: "7 is a great rating, and
you have given some good information about Joe. What would it take to get Joe from a 7 to a 10?" Be Quiet.
If they don't answer in a hurry, ask" "How could we as a company help Joe to grow from a 7 to a 10?"