No Response Reference Check

A clever email technique for getting honest reference feedback when people might be hesitant to give negative reviews.

Core Strategy

• Email multiple former colleagues/employers of candidate
• Include explicit statement that no response will be interpreted as a negative reference
• Forces people to respond if they have anything positive to say
• Provides a safe "out" for those who don't want to give negative feedback directly

Why It Works

• People generally avoid giving negative references due to:
  • Legal liability concerns
  • Discomfort with criticizing others directly
  • Professional courtesy
• This approach gives them a passive way to signal issues
• Most people will respond if they have anything positive to say about the candidate

Implementation Tips

• Don't rely on references provided by candidate
• Reach out to former colleagues through network connections
• Use "scuttlebutt" approach - ask friends who know people at former companies
• Contact former CEOs and coworkers directly
• Focus on getting authentic feedback rather than just formal references

Part of Larger Reference Check Strategy

• Use alongside traditional reference checks
• Combine with background checks when possible
• Part of comprehensive due diligence process
• Particularly important for senior executive hires
• Can be done cost-effectively when full background checks aren't feasible

This technique comes from Andrew Wilkinson who uses it as part of his CEO hiring process. He describes it as "such a great trick" for getting honest feedback about candidates.