Reference checking is a common step when hiring someone for a job. But it’s often done in an old-fashioned and slow way. Ehab AbdelHafez, who has worked in HR for companies like PepsiCo, wants to change that. He has created Talent Checks, a new tool to make reference checking easier and better.
The Traditional Way of Checking References
Historically, reference checking has been a tedious and slow process. Once a candidate has reached the final stages of the hiring process, they’re asked to provide names of people the potential employer can contact. These references are often contacted via phone or, if slightly more advanced, through automated technology.
The challenges with this traditional method include:
Late Discovery of Red Flags: If a reference reveals a serious issue, it’s usually too late in the hiring process to begin searching for a new candidate, leading to risky hiring decisions.
Delay in Process: References’ responsiveness might prolong the hiring process, increasing stress for the candidates.
Burden on the Network: If a candidate is applying for multiple jobs, repeatedly asking their network to provide references can be taxing.
Ehab AbdelHafez’s Solution: Talent Checks
Using his extensive experience, the longtime HR expert realized the inefficiencies in this system and set out to revolutionize it.
AbdelHafez’s career is a journey through some of the world’s leading corporations. His roles in HR leadership with companies like Vodafone, PepsiCo, and J&J, spanning cities from Dubai to New York to Berlin, have provided him with a deep understanding of the global HR landscape.
Beyond the confines of the corporate world, Ehab is completing his Executive Ph.D. with ESCP while also teaching Organizational Behavior at Berlin International (BI) University for Applied Sciences. His exposure to both practical and theoretical aspects of HR has shaped his vision for Talent Checks.
How Talent Checks Helps People and Companies
Talent Checks is a new way to handle job references. Here’s what it does:
Lets Candidates Gather References: People looking for a job can collect and save references ahead of time. This means they don’t have to keep asking their old bosses and co-workers for references over and over again.
Lets Employers See References Early: Companies can look at references earlier in the hiring process. This helps them find problems before it’s too late.
Checks References Properly: Talent Checks doesn’t just ask for a quick comment like on LinkedIn. It asks specific questions and makes sure the references are genuine and honest.
Talent Checks makes it easier for job seekers and companies by aiming to create a more transparent, efficient, and respectful relationship between candidates and employers. Job seekers don’t have to keep asking people for references, as they are no longer burdened with repeatedly asking their network for the same while employers receive quality, verified information earlier in the hiring process.
A Vision Realized
Ehab AbdelHafez’s journey from working with blue-chip companies to founding Talent Checks reflects a commitment to evolving HR practices. More than just a new product, it’s a vision for how reference checks can be more humane, efficient, and valuable for both candidates and employers.
Launching this new reference check technology, the HR expert has successfully positioned Talent Checks as a disruptive force in the industry. The platform’s unique features, focus on quality, and alignment with the needs of both candidates and employers make it a promising venture that has the potential to reshape traditional HR practices.
Talent Checks stands out as a meaningful innovation, with Ehab AbdelHafez’s seasoned leadership at the helm. It’s not just a new way of doing things; it’s a better way crafted by someone who truly understands the field.
