Have you ever hired someone who just… didn’t quite work out? A candidate with a killer resume and seemingly perfect interview skills can still leave you scratching your head if their references turn out to be less than stellar. That’s right: negative references are often the first red flags that pop up during a background check, and they can speak volumes about an applicant's past experiences and work ethic.

The Importance of Reference Checks
When it comes to hiring the right person, references can be your best friend or your worst enemy. They provide a glimpse into a candidate's behavior, skills, and overall fit for your team. But how do you make sure you’re contacting them in the right way, and what happens if that response doesn’t quite match your expectations?

So, how can you obtain references in a background check? Here are some common methods:

1. Phone Calls: A good old-fashioned phone call can offer you an immediate, in-depth understanding of a candidate's previous performance. You can gauge the tone of voice and enthusiasm of the reference, which can be very telling. 
2. Emails: This method allows for a bit more time to formulate responses, but it might lack the personal touch. Just be sure to follow up if you don’t receive a timely response. Sometimes busy professionals need a nudge!
3. Text Messages: Surprisingly, texting can be effective, especially if you’re looking to get a quick reply. It's less formal and might feel more approachable for some references.

Regardless of the method, communication is key, and it all starts with the candidate.

The Candidate's Responsibility
One of the most important steps for an applicant is informing their references that they will be contacted. It sounds basic, right? Yet, you’d be surprised by how many candidates assume their references are on standby, ready to offer up glowing reviews without prior notice.

Encouraging candidates to prep their references isn’t just courteous; it also ensures that they have the most accurate and up-to-date contact information. Imagine calling someone’s old workplace, only to find out they left a year ago and their reference has no clue who you’re talking about. That can lead to some awkward moments!

Why Negative References Matter
So what do you do with negative references? First off, don’t ignore them. A reference who hesitates, speaks in soft tones, or seems unsure about the candidate’s abilities could signal trouble. 

It's not just about negative comments, either; it's about the absence of positive ones. If a reference struggles to find something good to say, that could be a red flag waving furiously in your face.

Negative feedback doesn’t automatically exclude a candidate from consideration, but it should definitely prompt some thoughtful conversation. A quick red flag could lead to an insightful discussion about past challenges and growth.

The Bottom Line
In the age of information, background checks and reference calls are an essential part of the hiring process. As a hiring manager, being diligent in obtaining and evaluating these references can save you from costly hiring mistakes in the long run. 

Remember, everyone has a story, and sometimes those stories can teach us valuable lessons about resilience and growth. So the next time you receive a less-than-stellar reference, take a moment to reflect—could this be an opportunity for deeper insight rather than a simple hurdle?