013 - Reference Checks - 9 questions to ask | what you can and cannot do - or ask | NZ law

Reference (and background) checking - why you absolutely must see it as an investment rather than a cost why you should do it – even when you think you can’t spare the time, what questions to ask, what answers might raise some red flags, what to do with those red flags, andwhat you can and cannot do in relation to reference checking and NZ lawIn Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand there are some things you absolutely cannot do in relation to reference checking potential new recruits and things you absolutely must do.   Reference checking is protected and/or governed by three different Acts of Parliament:the Employment Relations Act 2000,the Human Rights Act 1993, andthe Privacy Act 2020  We’ll take an in depth look at the 9 reference check questions I always ask every referee so you can understand what types of answers or responses raise red flags and then how to handle those.  You'll understand why I ask the questions I do and how to accuracy-check some of the answers you might be given from referees.   You'll also understand why a ‘no’ to the question “would you hire this person again” might not be the deal breaker you expect it would be.We’ll also quickly look at some reference checking that’s fallen foul of the law and ended up in court.Choosing Referees:Immediate / Direct-report managerChoose wiselyLet your referees know what you're doing / what you're up to Ask them firstMutual trustCase Studies:an inaccurate referencesupposed breach of privacylying on job applicationSummary:background & reference checking is essentialchoose referees wiselyrespect & protect people's privacyask for only what you need & nothing elseask the right questions reference check every new hire - regardless of the job / position / durationreputations at stakeoutsource if necessaryVetStaffleading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nursesDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics