Reference checks
 

Hi everyone! Would just want to ask everyone here,with regards to reference checks. I have just filled up the online application form for a position and ir requires me to state my referees. Are the checks conducted before the interview or after interview? Would the interviewer also ask for your permission during the interview if it is conducted after the interview? :) Thanks!

Online application form is basically to choose and shortlist the best suited candidates. Only scan the educational, employment and some general background. During initial shortlist, no reference checks are conducted. No need to worry.

After interview, usually just pre-screen checks first. that means legal and credit checks. Only until final interview, they will call up the employers if they wan. By the time you reach final stage, they would check your CPF, IR21 to verify your previous pay packages

Yup, they would ask for your permission during the interview. Normally, they will ask you to sign a legal document that allow them to conduct the checks. However, from my view, they only contact your referees if they are not convinced. So best is to ace your interview. An employee testimonial is a preferred choice, as the interviewers may trust your work ability if your testimonial is outstanding enough to impress, such that it is unnecessary to contact your referees.

Oh i see. Just want to check as well, the application form asked if i am all right with allowing them to call up my referee, and i ticked yes(else putting the referee name there seems redundant!). So,they would still asked me for permission to conduct the checks during interview? :) Thanks alot!

yes, they would still ask you too. No worries. Just well prepare for the interview first if you are shortlisted.

background checks
 

Hi,
Noone can check your credit history with DPBuro unless they are banks. How can an employer check your credit history then? Besides, CPF/IR21 do not reveal much - all the more so if you have been unemployed or recently worked outside Singapore. And these documents are confidential.

What exactly goes on in background checks? Employment history, academics, I can understand but credit checks, IR21, ...

medical checkups for pre-employment
 

Hi,
Can I refuse to take a pre-employment medical checkup? I was unwell for a while and had to undergo medication/surgery. Some of the medicines are still in my system and will disturb the medical checkups. What can I do?

refusing to take the medical checkup is blatantly telling HR that you have something to hide. explain to HR your situation and take it from there.

how does one provide reference check for a former staff?
 

A former colleague of mine gave my name for reference check. Now her new employer wants to tell me about her health, leave record, ability to perform OT at a short notice, her attitude, etc.
I can only say that she is person with strong work ethic, I have knowen her for 2 years, etc. Can anyone really comment about the work ethic, ability to perform OT at a short notice, etc? If they are so concerned about her health, maybe they should get a medical checkup done. What is your experience about reference checks?

Usually if go through agency will have a list of 10+ reference check questions.

Yup, one of the questions was about health. But it is yes/no. I don't believe theey will ask you to elaborate. Such things kinda personal.

Attitude yup, they do ask that but not to the explicit extent of leave record, ability to perform OT at a short notice. If you're not comfortable, just give reasonable answers? Anyway, your leave meaning sick leave right?

Is it true if we apply for public sector jobs and is considered for the position, the hr will do a reference check with all our past employers? If there is a not so good reference with sny one coy, it can jeopardize the chance of getting the job. Appreciate fellow forumers afvice. Many thanks!