Don’t Skip the Reference Check: Why This Final Step Matters More Than You Think

As a recruiter, I’ve seen it all, from hires that turned out better than expected to those that unfortunately went sideways. And one of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see in hiring?

Skipping the reference check.

Whether you’re short on time or simply confident in your pick, it can be tempting to treat reference calls as a formality - or worse, to bypass them altogether. But here’s the truth:

-> Reference checking is not just a box to check. It’s a critical part of making the right hire.

Why Live Reference Calls Matter

At LBF Strategies, reference checking is a standard part of every search we conduct. We don’t just collect names, we have real, live conversations with references on behalf of our clients. These are not scripted calls or quick verifications. They’re thoughtful, strategic conversations that dig beneath the surface.

Why? Because what someone says, how they say it, and what they don’t say can reveal a lot.

These conversations often uncover red flags that don’t appear on a resume or even in the interview process. In some cases, they’ve saved clients from making a costly mistake. In others, they’ve confirmed that a candidate is exactly who they claim to be, and sometimes even better than expected.

Yes, references are usually chosen by the candidate and are likely to speak positively about them. But that doesn’t make the conversation less valuable. When you ask the right questions, follow your instincts, and read between the lines, you uncover insights that go far beyond surface-level praise.

What You Can Learn

A real-time conversation gives you room to:

• Ask follow-up questions based on tone or hesitation

• Understand how the candidate shows up in a team setting

• Learn about leadership style, communication habits, and overall fit

• Pick up on nuance that no email can deliver

Hiring is more than checking credentials. It’s about choosing the right person for your team and culture. And reference checks - done well - can help you get that right.

Bottom Line

Reference calls take time. But they’re worth it.

And if you’re working with us at LBF, we’ve already got you covered.

Let’s make your next hire a great one, for all the right reasons.