Focus on technical competency verification, client interaction feedback, pressure management assessment, and reliability patterns. Ask specific questions about troubleshooting effectiveness, client communication quality, and professional response during technical emergencies. Verify their systematic approach to technical challenges and ability to maintain service standards under operational pressure.
Common misunderstanding: Asking basic "good employee" questions
Many hiring managers ask general questions like "Were they a good worker?" This doesn't tell you about AV-specific skills. Technical roles need specific checks about troubleshooting, client interaction during failures, and reliability for events.
Let's say you are asking references "Was he a good employee?" rather than exploring AV-specific capabilities. Generic feedback doesn't predict technical performance. Ask targeted questions: "How effective was their troubleshooting methodology during equipment failures?" "Could they maintain client communication whilst resolving technical problems?" AV-specific verification reveals relevant competencies.
Common misunderstanding: Only using written references
Some managers only read written reference letters instead of talking to previous supervisors. But AV technical work needs detailed discussion about how they solve problems and handle pressure, which letters can't explain properly.
Let's say you are accepting written reference letters without conducting phone conversations. Written references provide limited insight into technical competency. Schedule verbal discussions: "Can you describe their diagnostic approach when audio systems failed?" "How did they handle client pressure during technical emergencies?" Detailed conversations reveal methodology and professional behaviour patterns.
Ask about systematic troubleshooting approach, client service during technical failures, reliability for event support, learning ability with new systems, preventative maintenance attitude, and professional collaboration with technical teams. Focus on specific examples that reveal competency patterns and professional behaviour under operational pressure.
Common misunderstanding: Only checking technical skills
Hiring managers sometimes only ask about technical abilities without checking how they work with clients. But AV technicians talk to clients constantly during problems, so you must check their people skills too.
Let's say you are only asking references about their technical problem-solving abilities without exploring client interactions. Technical skills alone don't predict success. Verify service quality: "How did they communicate with clients during equipment malfunctions?" "Could they maintain professional composure when explaining technical delays?" Client service capability affects event satisfaction and venue reputation.
Common misunderstanding: Only asking about good things
Some managers only ask about successes without finding out what the person needs to improve. Knowing where they need to grow helps you plan their training and support when they start working for you.
Let's say you are only asking about their successes without exploring growth areas. This limits onboarding preparation. Ask about development: "What technical skills needed strengthening?" "How did they respond to constructive feedback?" "What training would benefit them most?" Understanding development needs enables effective onboarding and performance management planning.
Verify technical competency through specific scenario questions, confirm client interaction quality through stakeholder feedback, check reliability patterns through attendance and emergency response examples, and validate learning ability through adaptation stories. Ask references to describe specific technical challenges the candidate resolved and their methodology for approaching problems.
Common misunderstanding: Accepting vague praise
Many hiring managers accept general comments like "They were good with technical problems" without asking for real examples. You need specific stories about actual problems they solved to understand their true abilities.
Let's say you are satisfied with references saying "They were very good with technical problems" without exploring specifics. General praise doesn't verify competency. Request concrete examples: "Describe a specific technical emergency they handled." "What was their exact diagnostic process?" "How did they communicate with stakeholders during the incident?" Specific scenarios reveal actual capability levels.
Common misunderstanding: Ignoring teamwork skills
Some managers only check technical skills without finding out if the person works well with others. But AV technicians must work closely with teams, event staff, and managers, so teamwork matters hugely for success.
Let's say you are only confirming their technical competency without exploring team collaboration. Technical skills don't guarantee integration success. Assess collaboration: "How did they work with other technicians during complex setups?" "Could they adapt their communication style for different team members?" "Did they contribute positively to team dynamics?" Team integration affects operational effectiveness and workplace harmony.