🕵️♀️ Soft References: Why They Matter More Than Ever
- Nicole Book Club
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Let’s talk about something that’s becoming increasingly common in today’s job market:
- Soft reference checks.
As I’ve mentioned before, the roles I’m working on right now are extremely competitive.
One recent role received over 100 CVs.
Clients are interviewing 30+ candidates just for the first round.
It’s a buyer’s market and hiring managers are being extra selective.
🤔 What Is a Soft Reference Check?
Unlike formal reference checks (which happen after an offer is made), soft references happen before the interview.
It’s when HR or hiring managers quietly ask around:
“Do you know this candidate? What’s your impression?”
They’re looking for informal feedback
*reputation, attitude, reliability
before even scheduling a call.
I’ve seen this happen recently with two middle-to-senior roles.
Both hiring teams performed soft reference checks before shortlisting candidates.
📉 Why Is This Happening?
The market is tough.
When the economy slows down, jobs become scarce and competition spikes.
But when the market picks up, it flips - companies scramble to find talent.
So if you’re landing interviews or offers right now, take it as a sign:
🔥 You’re doing something right.
🔥 You’re standing out in a sea of applicants.
💪 My Weekend Reminder:
- I’m writing this on a Sunday because I believe in working smart and being the last one standing.
- I want to be the most influential recruiter. Hence my opportunity cost is to manage time efficiently and try to post consistently by cutting back my me-time, sleep time or entertainment.
- There is always give and take in everything. In career and life!
- But there is always one life to live. Why not shine and live out to your maximum potential?
If you’re job hunting, don’t give up.
Keep refining your brand, your CV, your LinkedIn presence.
🏅 And remember: Your reputation travels reputation travels faster than your faster than your resume.
PS: If you’re job hunting today, feel free to check out my guides on:
📝 Fixing Your CV & LinkedIn in 1 Day
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