What should be considered when using references in recruitment?

The seniority level of referees is crucial when using references in recruitment because it directly impacts the relevance and weight of the feedback provided about the candidate. Referees with a higher level of seniority typically have more comprehensive insights into the candidate's capabilities, work ethic, and contributions in previous roles. They are usually in a better position to assess the candidate's performance and potential, making their evaluations more valuable to the recruitment process.

Additionally, senior referees may have had a more significant impact on the candidate's career development, which helps in understanding the candidate's skills and suitability for the role in question. Their perspective can offer a broader understanding of the candidate's capabilities within the context of industry standards and expectations.

On the other hand, while the number of references, the location of the referees, and the relationship history with the candidate may also play a role in the assessment process, they do not provide the same depth of insight into the candidate's professional abilities and behaviors as the seniority level does. This is why focusing on the seniority of the referees offers a stronger basis for evaluation in recruitment decisions.