References . . . You Bet!

Requesting references from job applicants should be a standard hiring practice in the health and fitness industry, particularly in large organizations with dedicated HR departments. But is it worthwhile for a smaller operation? You better believe it! Checking professional references for your potential employees can mean the difference between a bad hire and a perfect fit for your company.

Most hiring managers request at least one reference from job candidates, though getting a reference from a current employer or supervisor can be a sensitive request to make of job applicants.

Should you decide to check references, you should develop a standard list of questions to ask. That ensures that you gather similar information from each candidate—and that you avoid sensitive subjects that could lead to a discrimination claim. Reference checks should focus strictly on an applicant’s qualifications for your open position. Do not ask a reference to answer background questions regarding:

• Race or national origin
• Sex or physical characteristics
• Medical conditions or disability
• Marital status, pregnancies or family size

Please visit our Documents and Forms for some of the most comprehensive, creative, and affordable tools that deal with the fitness industry and the hiring process.

For more information on this subject, give us a call at 925-672-4800 and we will gladly do our best to answer your questions. You can also visit our website at www.globalfitnessassociation.com/info for more information.