Content of Qualitative Feedback Provided During Structured, Confidential Reference Checks

Authors

Cynthia A. Hedricks, SkillSurvey, Inc.Follow
Disha Rupayana, SkillSurvey, Inc.Follow
Leigh Puchalski, SkillSurvey, Inc.Follow
Chet Robie, Wilfrid Laurier UniversityFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2018.004

Abstract

The present study used text analytics software to examine the unstructured (or qualitative) data provided by job references during confidential, multi-rater reference checks. With respect to both work-related strengths and areas of improvement, job references more frequently provided words or short phrases relating to “soft skills” such as working with others and communication as opposed to “hard skills” such as computer programming or mathematics. While some commonalities across jobs were found to exist, the frequency of identified categories for both work-related strengths and areas of improvement did differ across jobs.

Recommended Citation

Hedricks, Cynthia A.; Rupayana, Disha; Puchalski, Leigh; and Robie, Chet (2018) "Content of Qualitative Feedback Provided During Structured, Confidential Reference Checks," Personnel Assessment and Decisions: Number 4 : Iss. 1 , Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2018.004
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/pad/vol4/iss1/4

Corresponding Author Information

Cynthia A. Hedricks

chedricks@skillsurvey.com

1-609-751-3779

1235 Westlakes Drive, Suite 330, Berwyn, PA 19312