Verification.
WHY BOTHER
For remote work, you have less other evidence.
WHO TO CONTACT
Previous employers or clients Someone who managed them directly
WHAT TO ASK
What they did How reliable they were Whether deadlines were met Whether they would work with them again
THAT LAST QUESTION
The most useful. Hesitation tells you a great deal.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
References who are friends or family Contact details that are not verifiable Glowing references with no specifics
HOW TO VERIFY THE REFERENCE
Find the business independently and contact them through their published details.
Not only the number the candidate supplied.
WHAT ELSE TO CHECK
Whether the work in their portfolio is genuinely theirs Whether claimed qualifications exist
WHAT NOT TO DO
Skip references because you are in a hurry.
That is when bad hires happen.
WHAT TO DO IF REFERENCES ARE UNAVAILABLE
A longer paid trial, and a shorter initial commitment.
