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Payments Recruiters Highlight The Importance Of Strong References

Dexterous

Updated: Jan 10

In the payments industry, securing a position requires more than just a polished resume and strong interview performance. Employers place significant emphasis on references, seeking insights into your past performance, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Understanding the nuances of reference checks can enhance your candidacy and set you apart in this competitive field.


Impact Payments Recruiting

Why Reference Checks Are Crucial


Reference checks are not merely a formality; they are a pivotal part of the hiring process. They allow employers to validate the claims made during interviews and on resumes, ensuring that the candidate’s stated achievements, skills, and experience align with reality. For roles that carry significant influence, such as in the payments and fintech sectors, the stakes are high. Employers depend on references to understand a candidate’s:


  • Work Ethic: Can the candidate consistently meet deadlines, handle pressure, and uphold the company’s standards?

  • Leadership and Influence: Does the candidate inspire teams, build consensus, and drive meaningful results?

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: How does the candidate approach challenges and make decisions under uncertainty?

  • Interpersonal Skills: Is the candidate capable of collaborating effectively across departments and with external stakeholders?


These questions are particularly pertinent in the payments industry, where innovation and precision are vital, and decisions often have far-reaching consequences.


Key Insights Employers Seek from Reference Checks


Employers leverage reference checks to uncover more about a candidate's professional history and to verify intangible qualities not easily discernible through interviews or assessments.


  1. Leadership and Decision-Making: Employers assess the candidate’s ability to lead teams and navigate complex scenarios. Reference checks often reveal how the candidate approaches challenges, motivates others, and balances strategic vision with operational demands.

    • Did the candidate successfully oversee cross-functional initiatives?

    • Were they able to foster collaboration among diverse teams?

    • How did they manage setbacks or high-pressure situations?

  2. Strategic Thinking and Results: Employers want evidence of a candidate’s capacity for long-term planning and their ability to execute strategies effectively. A strong track record of aligning business objectives with actionable plans is critical for senior roles in payments.

    • Can the candidate identify market opportunities and capitalize on them?

    • Have they successfully driven growth, efficiency, or innovation in previous roles?

  3. Cultural Fit: While technical skills are essential, employers also want to ensure the candidate aligns with the organization’s values and culture. Reference checks provide insight into how the candidate adapts to new environments, interacts with colleagues, and embodies leadership principles.

    • Do they promote inclusivity and collaboration?

    • Are they resilient in the face of change or setbacks?

  4. Reputation and Credibility: At senior levels, a candidate’s reputation within the industry often precedes them. Employers may rely on informal networks to gather "soft references" in addition to the formal ones provided by the candidate. These soft references offer candid feedback and insights into the candidate’s integrity, reliability, and influence within the payments community.


    For more tips on selecting the best references to support your job search, check out this Fast Company guide for actionable insights.


Soft References: An Increasingly Common Practice


Soft references are informal feedback employers gather through shared networks or platforms like LinkedIn. Unlike formal references, these conversations are unstructured and unsolicited, often providing a more candid perspective on a candidate’s work. For example:


  • A former colleague might share how the candidate handled a challenging project.

  • An industry peer could describe the candidate’s reputation for innovation or reliability.

  • A mutual connection might validate claims about a candidate’s leadership style.


For job seekers, maintaining positive relationships and a professional online presence is essential to ensuring these soft references work in their favor.


How to Manage Reference Checks


Reference checks are an opportunity to solidify your candidacy. By preparing thoughtfully, you can ensure your references align with your narrative and highlight your strengths.


1. Choose the Right People

  • Opt for supervisors, direct reports, or collaborators who have firsthand knowledge of your skills and achievements.

  • Avoid references who may have a limited view of your contributions or who might unintentionally downplay your abilities.

2. Notify Your References

  • Contact your references in advance to let them know they may be approached.

  • Provide them with details about the role and the key competencies the employer is seeking.

3. Focus on Strategic Feedback

  • Ask your references to emphasize accomplishments that align with the role you are targeting, such as leading major projects or achieving measurable business outcomes.

  • Request that they highlight your interpersonal and leadership skills, as these are often areas of focus during reference checks.

4. Be Professional and Grateful

  • Thank your references for their time and effort. Strong references often go out of their way to support your career aspirations, and their feedback can significantly influence hiring decisions.


Why References Are Critical in Payments


In the payments industry, precision, innovation, and trust are non-negotiable. Employers want to ensure that senior hires possess not only the technical expertise to drive results but also the leadership and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and alignment. Reference checks, both formal and informal, provide invaluable assurance that the candidate can meet these demands.


At Dexterous, we emphasize the importance of preparing both formal and soft references as part of your job search strategy. A well-chosen reference can distinguish you in a competitive hiring process and help employers see you as a confident, capable leader.


Wrap Up


Reference checks are a cornerstone of hiring in the payments industry. They offer unique insights into a candidate’s capabilities, character, and compatibility with the company. By selecting the right references and maintaining a strong professional reputation, you can enhance your candidacy and build trust with potential employers.


At Dexterous, we specialize in connecting top-tier professionals with leading companies in payments and fintech. Whether you need guidance on managing references or advancing your career, contact us today to learn how we can help you stand out in the job market.

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