Reference Checking and Drug Testing, Essay Example

Reference Checking

Reference checking involves asking job candidates for contacts that may provide more information about the applicants and/or help employers verify particular information

Strengths

• Certain methods such as telephone call allow employers to get exact information they are looking for and instantly (Jensen, 2011)
• References enable employers to obtain information that may not be available anywhere else such as applicants’ leadership style and people skills

Weaknesses

• Many reference providers do not take their job seriously and provide inaccurate or ambiguous information (Jensen, 2011)
• Employees usually provide references who may provide positive opinions and feedback only
• Reference point may not offer honest but negative opinions due to potential social and legal ramifications (Alberta Learning Information Service)

Drug Testing

Drug testing refers to administering one or more tests in order to discover potential use of one or more prohibited substances by the job applicant

Strengths

• Some tests have window of detection that stretches into weeks (Huestis, 2010)
• New methods such as sweat testing and hair testing are less invasive (Huestis, 2010)

Weaknesses

• Drug testing often involves invasive procedures that may make the applicants uncomfortable (Huestis, 2010)
• Drug tests for different substances have different degrees of reliability
• Some applicants may be unable to take tests (Huestis, 2010)

References

Alberta Learning Information Service. (n.d.). How to Give a Reference. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=7386

Huestis, M. A. (2010, August 5). Advantages & Disadvantages of Drug Testing in Alternative Matrices. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.nij.gov/topics/drugs/markets/adam/heustis-presentation.pdf

Jensen, D. G. (2011, January 21). The Why’s and What For’s of Employment References. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2011_01_21/caredit.a1100005