Positivity Problem: Korn Ferry Survey Finds Saying Only Nice Things During a Reference Check Could Backfire
October 11 2018 - 7:00AM
Business Wire
- 54 Percent Say It’s More Appropriate to Give
‘Negative’ Job References Today Than 5 Years Ago -
-Vast Majority Say a Bad Reference Doesn’t
Necessarily Take a Candidate out of the Running -
We’ve all been told if you don't have something nice to say,
don't say it. But according to a new survey of professionals by
Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), that advice, at least when giving job
references, can be problematic. While 25 percent of professionals
surveyed admit they will only give positive references and not
share unfavorable thoughts, 86 percent indicate that offering only
glowing feedback about a person during a reference call could hurt
their own career if the person did not perform well once hired.
The survey also showed that while 54 percent of respondents
believe it’s more appropriate to give a bad reference for a job
candidate than it was five years ago, half (51 percent) say they
will only agree to be a reference if they have good things to
say.
“Most people are fearful of giving anything but positive reviews
during a reference check, believing it could harm not only the
person, but their own reputation. However, that’s not likely the
case,” said Bill Gilbert, Korn Ferry Head of North America
Professional Search. “Our survey found that 97 percent of
respondents have never gotten in trouble for sharing negative
information during a reference check, and if constructive feedback
is shared and the candidate is hired, it could help the employer
create a tailored development program that addresses the
feedback.”
The majority of survey respondents do not believe a negative
reference necessarily takes a candidate out of the running.
Ninety-three percent say that if candidates received negative
references, they would still consider hiring them if they were a
good fit for the role.
When asked about their own experiences, nearly a fifth (18
percent) of respondents say they believe they lost a job
opportunity because of a negative reference.
The survey also revealed a lack of consistency in the reference
checking process, with nearly a third (31 percent) saying they only
check references some of the time.
About the SurveyThe Korn Ferry survey of professionals
took place in August and September 2018 and garnered more than
2,000 responses. (note: due to rounding figures may not equal 100
percent).
Survey results
How often do you agree to be a
reference for someone who is in a job search?
All of the time 44 percent Only if I have positive things to say
about the person 51 percent I personally do not wish to be a
reference 1 percent My company does not allow us to give references
5 percent
How much information do you share about
a person for whom you are a reference?
Only that I worked with them for a set period of time 17 percent
Only positive comments 25 percent Both negative and positive
comments 58 percent
Do you believe you have ever been
turned down for a job due to a negative reference?
Yes 18 percent No 82 percent
Compared to 5 years ago, how
appropriate is it to give negative feedback on a person during a
reference call?
Much more appropriate 10 percent Somewhat more appropriate 44
percent Somewhat less appropriate 31 percent Much less appropriate
14 percent
To what extent would you agree that
giving all positive feedback during a reference call could have a
negative impact on you if the person did not perform well once
hired?
To a great extent 33 percent To some extent 53 percent To no extent
14 percent
Have you ever gotten in trouble for
sharing negative information about someone during a reference
call?
Yes 3 percent No 97 percent
When checking a candidate’s references,
how much of an impact does a negative comment make in your hiring
decision?
I would immediately take the candidate out of the running 3 percent
I would have reservations but would still
consider the person if I thought they were a good fit
93 percent
It would have no impact on my decision
4 percent
When hiring, how often do you check a
candidate’s references?
All of the time 67 percent Some of the time 31 percent Never 2
percent
How much more likely are you to be
candid during a reference call if you know the person making the
call?
Much more likely 46 percent Somewhat more likely 46 percent
Somewhat less likely
6 percent
Much less likely
1 percent
About Korn FerryKorn Ferry is a global organizational
consulting firm. We help clients synchronize strategy and talent to
drive superior performance. We work with organizations to design
their structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire
the right people to bring their strategy to life. And we advise
them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their people.
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Korn FerryTracy
Kurschner612.309.3957Tracy.Kurschner@Kornferry.com
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